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Shadows in the Spring
Two souls bound together for eternity but lost in time. Until now.
Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay's gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the danger of Roman Britannia.
Praise for Christina
'Paints a vivid picture of life in two very different timeframes and, as the stories unfold, we see how the themes of life and love change little with the centuries. Fast-paced and thrilling!' SARAH MAINE
______________________________
Her head buzzed with long-forgotten memories,
fleeting images that flickered in and out of her mind.
Nothing tangible, and not a single one fully formed, but teasing and tantalising,
as if they wanted to surface but didn't know how.
AD 80
Duro of the Iceni tribe escaped life as an enslaved gladiator and is now finally home in Britannia with one thing on his vengeance. For 20 years he has sought the Roman legionary who destroyed his family. What he didn't expect was a fierce Germanic woman with long white-blonde hair, forced into slavery by the Romans. Hypnotised by her spirit and her beauty, Duro frees Gisel and slowly tries to win her trust as they work together to complete his quest.
Present Day
Mackenna Jackson returns to Bath with a broken heart, thanks to rockstar Blue Daniels. Luckily she can still count on Blue's former bandmate Jonah Miller as a listening ear. But Jonah has secretly been fighting stronger feelings, drawn to Mac's quiet confidence and gorgeous white-blonde hair. As they explore the area, memories they can't quite explain flood them both.
Is the spark between Mac and Jonah in fact a sign of something much deeper - a love enduring through millennia - or can it all be an illusion?
______________________________
Just some of the rich praise for Christina Courtenay's pacy, evocative and romantic novels including Echoes of the Runes, The Runes of Destiny and Promises of the Runes:
'I've been looking forward to this book . . . and it far exceeded my hopes and expectations. Romantic, fascinating and gripping, it's one of my favourites of the series' NICOLA CORNICK
'As a reader, I was delighted and absorbed accompanying Ivor on his quest to the 9th Century. Courtenay writes so beautifully, drawing you in to each scene, that time and pages slip by effortlessly' ERIN GREEN
'Whenever I need a break from the Twenty-First Century, I read one of Christina Courtenay's novels' SUE MOORCROFT
'I wonder if I, too, can find a way to travel back in time... If not, reading this book was the next best thing' GILL STEWART
'Seals Christina Courtenay's crown as the Queen of Viking Romance' CATHERINE MILLER
'This epic romance is sure to sweep you off your feet!' TAKE A BREAK
'An absorbing story, fast-paced and vividly imagined' PAMELA HARTSHORNE
&a
Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay's gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the danger of Roman Britannia.
Praise for Christina
'Paints a vivid picture of life in two very different timeframes and, as the stories unfold, we see how the themes of life and love change little with the centuries. Fast-paced and thrilling!' SARAH MAINE
______________________________
Her head buzzed with long-forgotten memories,
fleeting images that flickered in and out of her mind.
Nothing tangible, and not a single one fully formed, but teasing and tantalising,
as if they wanted to surface but didn't know how.
AD 80
Duro of the Iceni tribe escaped life as an enslaved gladiator and is now finally home in Britannia with one thing on his vengeance. For 20 years he has sought the Roman legionary who destroyed his family. What he didn't expect was a fierce Germanic woman with long white-blonde hair, forced into slavery by the Romans. Hypnotised by her spirit and her beauty, Duro frees Gisel and slowly tries to win her trust as they work together to complete his quest.
Present Day
Mackenna Jackson returns to Bath with a broken heart, thanks to rockstar Blue Daniels. Luckily she can still count on Blue's former bandmate Jonah Miller as a listening ear. But Jonah has secretly been fighting stronger feelings, drawn to Mac's quiet confidence and gorgeous white-blonde hair. As they explore the area, memories they can't quite explain flood them both.
Is the spark between Mac and Jonah in fact a sign of something much deeper - a love enduring through millennia - or can it all be an illusion?
______________________________
Just some of the rich praise for Christina Courtenay's pacy, evocative and romantic novels including Echoes of the Runes, The Runes of Destiny and Promises of the Runes:
'I've been looking forward to this book . . . and it far exceeded my hopes and expectations. Romantic, fascinating and gripping, it's one of my favourites of the series' NICOLA CORNICK
'As a reader, I was delighted and absorbed accompanying Ivor on his quest to the 9th Century. Courtenay writes so beautifully, drawing you in to each scene, that time and pages slip by effortlessly' ERIN GREEN
'Whenever I need a break from the Twenty-First Century, I read one of Christina Courtenay's novels' SUE MOORCROFT
'I wonder if I, too, can find a way to travel back in time... If not, reading this book was the next best thing' GILL STEWART
'Seals Christina Courtenay's crown as the Queen of Viking Romance' CATHERINE MILLER
'This epic romance is sure to sweep you off your feet!' TAKE A BREAK
'An absorbing story, fast-paced and vividly imagined' PAMELA HARTSHORNE
&a
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
73 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Christina Courtenay
34 books366 followersChristina 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) and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2025
The story starts nearly 2,000 years ago, when the Romans ruled Britain. Duro, was just a young boy when he was whisked away to Rome to become a slave. Twenty years on, and Duro is back in England and he's set on righting some grave wrongs - including rescuing a lady just sold at a slave market. Gisel has no choice but to trust this ex-Gladiator as they trek across the land seeking revenge.
In present-day Bath, Mackenna has also been wronged but this time it's by her rockstar boyfriend (make that ex now). Jonah, her ex's bandmate, isn't happy with how she's been treated and he wants to try and make things right (ok - he's always had a bit of a crush on her). But what's stranger is that the more they get to know each other, the more it seems like they've always known each other. Their sense of deja vu has a distinct ancient Roman feel to it.
I love historical fiction and time-slip/ time-travel can be some of my favourite. It's not often though that you get to travel this far back in time. Christina Courtenay has clearly done a lot of research and has sprinkled this throughout the story. However, although I'm a closet romance reader, I personally found the insta-attraction, and Duro's 'gentlemanly ways' a bit much. This book though still has a lot to offer as a lighter, romantic read.
In present-day Bath, Mackenna has also been wronged but this time it's by her rockstar boyfriend (make that ex now). Jonah, her ex's bandmate, isn't happy with how she's been treated and he wants to try and make things right (ok - he's always had a bit of a crush on her). But what's stranger is that the more they get to know each other, the more it seems like they've always known each other. Their sense of deja vu has a distinct ancient Roman feel to it.
I love historical fiction and time-slip/ time-travel can be some of my favourite. It's not often though that you get to travel this far back in time. Christina Courtenay has clearly done a lot of research and has sprinkled this throughout the story. However, although I'm a closet romance reader, I personally found the insta-attraction, and Duro's 'gentlemanly ways' a bit much. This book though still has a lot to offer as a lighter, romantic read.
April 1, 2025
This was a lovely time travel story from an author I've never read before but, heard a lot about her. Set in present day and Roman times I found this really intriguing and very interesting. The story had a little bit of romance thrown in but it wasn't soppy. Looking forward to reading more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Want to read
February 11, 2025"Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay's gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the danger of Roman Britannia."
May 18, 2025
Shadows in the Spring is an intriguing dual-timeline adventure through the ages that links the distant past with the fast-paced present.
In the past, we meet Duro, former gladiator who fled Pompeii just in time before the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius destroyed any traces of his past. This allows him to claim he was now a free man, returning home to his settlement in southern Britannia. Two decades earlier, he'd been taken captive as a young boy during the failed uprising by the Iceni, his tribe. His siblings were all spread across the Roman world. But his younger brother, Commios, is not too keen on having his place as chieftain taken by the brother he'd presumed dead. This opens up great conflict between the brothers.
But Duro seeks revenge of the man who killed his mother, and had him and two other siblings taken. So, soon after his arrival, he sets off to seek out the perpetrator, a Roman. But along the way, he witnesses a young Germanic girl being sold as a slave to a rather nasty piece of work, and he commits to free her.
Gisel was abducted from her village and taken across to Britannia, where she – and another man from her tribe – were sold as slaves. He covets her, and does everything in his power to get her. But he didn't expect Duro to come to Gisel's rescue.
Fast forward to the 21st century, where young Mackenna Jackson has been dating Blue, the eccentric singer of rock band, Valhalla Storm, but when she rejoins his tour early after her aunt's funeral, she's in for a shock. Furious, she ends their relationship and escapes to her late aunt's home which she has inherited.
Meanwhile, Blue's bandmate, Jonah, the band's main songwriter, has finally had enough of the singer's escapades, and announces his departure from the band. He's also been in love with Mackenna, though he's kept that little fact to himself. Now he offers his help, and soon they find that there is more to their mutual interest in ancient history, as each begins to sense something from a different time...
Will Duro be able to keep Gisel safe from harm, whilst he pursues his revenge? And what will Mackenna do now that she's dumped the guy who'd given her so much grief? Well, read this fabulous novel to find out!
Shadows in the Spring weaves a wafer-thin thread that links the present to the past.
The ancient part of the novel gives us a fascinating glimpse into the time when the Romans took over the isle of Britannia, and reduced the power of the tribes as they went. Bereft of their weapons and power, the Iceni live by the new rules, but Duro still seeks revenge of those who sent him captive to survive in the gladiatorial arenas. Ms Courtenay has researched the era very well, and we can get a real sense of place and time through his and Gisel's eyes.
The modern part is every teenage girl's dream – to date their favourite singer. But the reality of the glamorous lifestyle is somewhat different, with pressures, stresses, temptations, and obsessed fans and media. Privacy doesn't really exist, and in our days of social media, every detail is discussed by a huge group of people, making those whom it affects feel powerless. It's a great insight into a world that looks fantastic on the outside, but is full of pitfalls.
Duro was a very likeable hero – strong, honourable, handsome, and clever. One could follow his path easily, as his actions make much sense. Gisel is a victim of the times – taken from her home against her will, and threatened wherever she went. Hers was a realistic portrayal of a fate that could befall any tribeswoman.
Though sometimes too many descriptions took over the historical narrative, we still got a good glimpse into Duro's motivations in particular from his point of view, and how Gisel slowly comes round to supporting him. But why she was so nearly fooled near the end, I don't know. It felt a little like a romance cliché.
I preferred the historical story to the present-day one, as, for me, Mackenna's new love moved surprisingly fast. Blue's character is quite realistic (reminiscent of many rock stars in the ’80s in particular), but I found his jealous reaction a little over the top. Jonah is a sensible guy, down to earth, almost too good for that cutthroat industry. He has the patience of a saint, and is a fabulous character.
For me, the modern part lacked some depth that we usually find in Christina Courtenay's novels, and things moved way too fast. I didn't care much for Mackenna either, I'm afraid. For me, Jonah was the real star of the modern part of the novel.
But on the other hand, I found Ms Courtenay's description of the paparazzi and die-hard fans truly realistic, and I can imagine that some stars and their (ex-) partners find themselves in just that kind of situation. It's scary and overwhelming, and it was incredibly well portrayed. Mackenna's reaction to it made so much sense.
Fans of exciting dual-timeline stories will enjoy Shadows in the Spring. It has all the right ingredients: danger, upheaval, and personal motivations in the historical part that lead to an unusual love match; a love story in the modern part, in a highly volatile and media-focused setting.
Shadows in the Spring is another intriguing romantic adventure from Christina Courtenay that you should definitely check out!
In the past, we meet Duro, former gladiator who fled Pompeii just in time before the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius destroyed any traces of his past. This allows him to claim he was now a free man, returning home to his settlement in southern Britannia. Two decades earlier, he'd been taken captive as a young boy during the failed uprising by the Iceni, his tribe. His siblings were all spread across the Roman world. But his younger brother, Commios, is not too keen on having his place as chieftain taken by the brother he'd presumed dead. This opens up great conflict between the brothers.
But Duro seeks revenge of the man who killed his mother, and had him and two other siblings taken. So, soon after his arrival, he sets off to seek out the perpetrator, a Roman. But along the way, he witnesses a young Germanic girl being sold as a slave to a rather nasty piece of work, and he commits to free her.
Gisel was abducted from her village and taken across to Britannia, where she – and another man from her tribe – were sold as slaves. He covets her, and does everything in his power to get her. But he didn't expect Duro to come to Gisel's rescue.
Fast forward to the 21st century, where young Mackenna Jackson has been dating Blue, the eccentric singer of rock band, Valhalla Storm, but when she rejoins his tour early after her aunt's funeral, she's in for a shock. Furious, she ends their relationship and escapes to her late aunt's home which she has inherited.
Meanwhile, Blue's bandmate, Jonah, the band's main songwriter, has finally had enough of the singer's escapades, and announces his departure from the band. He's also been in love with Mackenna, though he's kept that little fact to himself. Now he offers his help, and soon they find that there is more to their mutual interest in ancient history, as each begins to sense something from a different time...
Will Duro be able to keep Gisel safe from harm, whilst he pursues his revenge? And what will Mackenna do now that she's dumped the guy who'd given her so much grief? Well, read this fabulous novel to find out!
Shadows in the Spring weaves a wafer-thin thread that links the present to the past.
The ancient part of the novel gives us a fascinating glimpse into the time when the Romans took over the isle of Britannia, and reduced the power of the tribes as they went. Bereft of their weapons and power, the Iceni live by the new rules, but Duro still seeks revenge of those who sent him captive to survive in the gladiatorial arenas. Ms Courtenay has researched the era very well, and we can get a real sense of place and time through his and Gisel's eyes.
The modern part is every teenage girl's dream – to date their favourite singer. But the reality of the glamorous lifestyle is somewhat different, with pressures, stresses, temptations, and obsessed fans and media. Privacy doesn't really exist, and in our days of social media, every detail is discussed by a huge group of people, making those whom it affects feel powerless. It's a great insight into a world that looks fantastic on the outside, but is full of pitfalls.
Duro was a very likeable hero – strong, honourable, handsome, and clever. One could follow his path easily, as his actions make much sense. Gisel is a victim of the times – taken from her home against her will, and threatened wherever she went. Hers was a realistic portrayal of a fate that could befall any tribeswoman.
Though sometimes too many descriptions took over the historical narrative, we still got a good glimpse into Duro's motivations in particular from his point of view, and how Gisel slowly comes round to supporting him. But why she was so nearly fooled near the end, I don't know. It felt a little like a romance cliché.
I preferred the historical story to the present-day one, as, for me, Mackenna's new love moved surprisingly fast. Blue's character is quite realistic (reminiscent of many rock stars in the ’80s in particular), but I found his jealous reaction a little over the top. Jonah is a sensible guy, down to earth, almost too good for that cutthroat industry. He has the patience of a saint, and is a fabulous character.
For me, the modern part lacked some depth that we usually find in Christina Courtenay's novels, and things moved way too fast. I didn't care much for Mackenna either, I'm afraid. For me, Jonah was the real star of the modern part of the novel.
But on the other hand, I found Ms Courtenay's description of the paparazzi and die-hard fans truly realistic, and I can imagine that some stars and their (ex-) partners find themselves in just that kind of situation. It's scary and overwhelming, and it was incredibly well portrayed. Mackenna's reaction to it made so much sense.
Fans of exciting dual-timeline stories will enjoy Shadows in the Spring. It has all the right ingredients: danger, upheaval, and personal motivations in the historical part that lead to an unusual love match; a love story in the modern part, in a highly volatile and media-focused setting.
Shadows in the Spring is another intriguing romantic adventure from Christina Courtenay that you should definitely check out!
May 1, 2025
Christina Courtenay is at the height of her storytelling powers with her mesmerizing new novel, Shadows in the Spring.
AD 80, Duro of the Iceni tribe has vengeance on his mind. Having escaped life as an enslaved gladiator, Duro has finally managed to return home to Britannia determined to seek out and destroy the Roman legionary who had condemned him to a fate worse then death. However, Duro hadn’t counted on being bowled over by Gisel, a fierce Germanic woman who had been forced into slavery by the Romans. Enchanted by her intelligence, beauty and determination, Duro and Gisel are united by a passion that cannot be denied and by their quest to avenge those who had wronged them…
In the present day, Mackenna Jackson has returned to Bath nursing a broken heart after having had all her romantic hopes and dreams eviscerated by rock star Blue Daniels. However, Mackenna still has Blue’s former bandmate Jonah Miller at hand as a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. Yet, unbeknownst to Mackenna, Jonah has been nursing a secret passion for her. When they begin to explore Bath together, Mackenna and Jonah are shocked by unexpected and unfamiliar memories…
As the past and present intertwine in surprising and unexplained ways, two women from across time might finally find everything they’ve always wanted, but only if they are willing to fight for it…
Christina Courtenay has done it again! In Shadows in the Spring, this multi award-winning author immerses her readers in a beautifully rendered world of forbidden attraction, dangerous desire and intense emotion and spices her narrative with nail-biting adventure, heart-stopping intrigue and powerful romance. As compulsively readable as ever, Shadows in the Spring is an engrossing, dramatic and wholly captivating page-turner that once started is absolutely impossible to put down.
Passionate, atmospheric and enthralling, Shadows in the Spring is another first-class tale from Christina Courtenay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
AD 80, Duro of the Iceni tribe has vengeance on his mind. Having escaped life as an enslaved gladiator, Duro has finally managed to return home to Britannia determined to seek out and destroy the Roman legionary who had condemned him to a fate worse then death. However, Duro hadn’t counted on being bowled over by Gisel, a fierce Germanic woman who had been forced into slavery by the Romans. Enchanted by her intelligence, beauty and determination, Duro and Gisel are united by a passion that cannot be denied and by their quest to avenge those who had wronged them…
In the present day, Mackenna Jackson has returned to Bath nursing a broken heart after having had all her romantic hopes and dreams eviscerated by rock star Blue Daniels. However, Mackenna still has Blue’s former bandmate Jonah Miller at hand as a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. Yet, unbeknownst to Mackenna, Jonah has been nursing a secret passion for her. When they begin to explore Bath together, Mackenna and Jonah are shocked by unexpected and unfamiliar memories…
As the past and present intertwine in surprising and unexplained ways, two women from across time might finally find everything they’ve always wanted, but only if they are willing to fight for it…
Christina Courtenay has done it again! In Shadows in the Spring, this multi award-winning author immerses her readers in a beautifully rendered world of forbidden attraction, dangerous desire and intense emotion and spices her narrative with nail-biting adventure, heart-stopping intrigue and powerful romance. As compulsively readable as ever, Shadows in the Spring is an engrossing, dramatic and wholly captivating page-turner that once started is absolutely impossible to put down.
Passionate, atmospheric and enthralling, Shadows in the Spring is another first-class tale from Christina Courtenay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2025
Another gorgeous dual timeline novel from Christina Courtensy I eagerly devoured over a weekend. Her books are always such a pleasure to read.
This is Christina’s second book focussing on the Romans in the historical storyline part, and I loved it just as much as I have all of her books I have read so far, which must be 7 or 8 books. She has such a unique way of writing which draws me in immediately as the stories play out like a film in my head. Wonderful descriptions take me right into the centre of the action.
The Roman timeline goes back to just after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 80AD where we meet a recently escaped gladiator who has made his way back to his home in Britannia. He had been taken following the defeat of his Iceni tribe at the age of 8. Determination to get revenge on his captor had pushed him to become one of the best gladiators. On his travels he saves Gisele from a similar fate and falls head over heels for her.
In the present time, Mac has just finished with her bed hopping boyfriend who is the gorgeous looking lead singer of one of the most famous bands of the moment. Sadly his personality does not match his good looks, being a self centred diva. As Jordan, another of the band members checks in on her to see she is okay, a relationship begins to blossom.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Christina Courtenay book without a link between past and present, and as Mac and Jordan spend more time together they begin to have strange feelings of knowing what Roman objects are and of seeing their surroundings change. Could the ring Mac’s auntie left her and she always wears be the connection?
I just loved being drawn into the stories of the two couples in alternate chapters, and how time has seemed to bring them together again. I loved both times equally as much.
This is Christina’s second book focussing on the Romans in the historical storyline part, and I loved it just as much as I have all of her books I have read so far, which must be 7 or 8 books. She has such a unique way of writing which draws me in immediately as the stories play out like a film in my head. Wonderful descriptions take me right into the centre of the action.
The Roman timeline goes back to just after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 80AD where we meet a recently escaped gladiator who has made his way back to his home in Britannia. He had been taken following the defeat of his Iceni tribe at the age of 8. Determination to get revenge on his captor had pushed him to become one of the best gladiators. On his travels he saves Gisele from a similar fate and falls head over heels for her.
In the present time, Mac has just finished with her bed hopping boyfriend who is the gorgeous looking lead singer of one of the most famous bands of the moment. Sadly his personality does not match his good looks, being a self centred diva. As Jordan, another of the band members checks in on her to see she is okay, a relationship begins to blossom.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Christina Courtenay book without a link between past and present, and as Mac and Jordan spend more time together they begin to have strange feelings of knowing what Roman objects are and of seeing their surroundings change. Could the ring Mac’s auntie left her and she always wears be the connection?
I just loved being drawn into the stories of the two couples in alternate chapters, and how time has seemed to bring them together again. I loved both times equally as much.
April 25, 2025
Shadows in the Spring is another time-slip novel by Christina Courtenay. I really have enjoyed her Roman time-slip novels of which this is the second.
In 80 AD ex-gladiator Duro has escaped Pompeii and is back in Britain. A member of the Iceni tribe he was taken hostage and sold into slavery after Boudica’s revolt. Duro has managed to not only survive being a gladiator, he has survived the destruction on Pompeii. He has purchased the land that his village sits on from the Romans. Instead of immediately settling down, he is on a mission of vengeance. He intends to find the Roman who murdered his mother, raped his sister and sold him into slavery. While on his trek through Britain, he encounters Gisel a beautiful German girl who was kidnapped by the Romans and sold into slavery. After enduring the degradation of slavery himself, he sets out to save her.
In the present Mackenna Jackson finds her rock star boyfriend Blue in bed with two women. She breaks up with him and flees to the flat that she inherited from her aunt in Bath. Unbeknownst to Mac, Blue’s bandmate Jonah is enamored of Mac and leaves the band in disgust. Jonah and Mac start up a friendship but both start to have worrying visions of Duro and Gisel in the past. Can Jonah and Mac, and Duro and Gisel fiind love in their respective time periods, or will outside forces destroy them forever?
The two storylines meld together seamlessly. I really enjoyed this book, especially as I am a fan of anything to do with ancient Rome,
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline publishing and the author for a chance to read and review this ARC.
In 80 AD ex-gladiator Duro has escaped Pompeii and is back in Britain. A member of the Iceni tribe he was taken hostage and sold into slavery after Boudica’s revolt. Duro has managed to not only survive being a gladiator, he has survived the destruction on Pompeii. He has purchased the land that his village sits on from the Romans. Instead of immediately settling down, he is on a mission of vengeance. He intends to find the Roman who murdered his mother, raped his sister and sold him into slavery. While on his trek through Britain, he encounters Gisel a beautiful German girl who was kidnapped by the Romans and sold into slavery. After enduring the degradation of slavery himself, he sets out to save her.
In the present Mackenna Jackson finds her rock star boyfriend Blue in bed with two women. She breaks up with him and flees to the flat that she inherited from her aunt in Bath. Unbeknownst to Mac, Blue’s bandmate Jonah is enamored of Mac and leaves the band in disgust. Jonah and Mac start up a friendship but both start to have worrying visions of Duro and Gisel in the past. Can Jonah and Mac, and Duro and Gisel fiind love in their respective time periods, or will outside forces destroy them forever?
The two storylines meld together seamlessly. I really enjoyed this book, especially as I am a fan of anything to do with ancient Rome,
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline publishing and the author for a chance to read and review this ARC.
April 24, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a historical romance with a dual narrative.
In AD 80, we follow Duro, who seeks justice for what happened to his loved ones. He finds himself captivated by Gisel, and the two of them begin a journey together.
The present day storyline takes us to Bath, where we follow Mackenna, or Mac. After breaking up with her unfaithful rockstar boyfriend, Blue, Mac spends some time with Jonah, his former bandmate. The pair enjoy spending time together, but at the end of it all, are they just friends, or something more?
I don't think I've read many historical novels set in Roman times, so I found the historical storyline really interesting. I also enjoyed following the modern storyline, and I felt there was a very interesting contrast and connection between the two. I think that I connected with the two storylines differently; I found the historical storyline more intense and dramatic, while the modern storyline was fun and heartwarming.
I felt like this was the kind of book that should be enjoyed a little at a time, rather than all at once, but once I became invested, it was hard to stop reading. It was a romantic read that also felt like a time-travel adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a historical romance with a dual narrative.
In AD 80, we follow Duro, who seeks justice for what happened to his loved ones. He finds himself captivated by Gisel, and the two of them begin a journey together.
The present day storyline takes us to Bath, where we follow Mackenna, or Mac. After breaking up with her unfaithful rockstar boyfriend, Blue, Mac spends some time with Jonah, his former bandmate. The pair enjoy spending time together, but at the end of it all, are they just friends, or something more?
I don't think I've read many historical novels set in Roman times, so I found the historical storyline really interesting. I also enjoyed following the modern storyline, and I felt there was a very interesting contrast and connection between the two. I think that I connected with the two storylines differently; I found the historical storyline more intense and dramatic, while the modern storyline was fun and heartwarming.
I felt like this was the kind of book that should be enjoyed a little at a time, rather than all at once, but once I became invested, it was hard to stop reading. It was a romantic read that also felt like a time-travel adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
April 25, 2025
In AD80 and after many years as an enslaved gladiator, Duro has returned to his homeland of Britannia to seek revenge on the Roman who was the cause of his family’s downfall. When he rescues a beautiful young woman from slavery their lives are bound together not just in their current life but also far into the future. In the present day, Mackenna has recently split with her rockstar boyfriend only to have a deepening attachment to Jonah, another band member who, it seems, shares a connection to the past which can’t easily be explained.
The dual timeline is done really well so that it is perfectly possible to explore Ancient Rome in the footsteps of Duro and Gisel, whilst at the time time feel comfortable in modern day Bath with Mac and Jonah. I loved the intertwining of lives and the parallels between relationships which the author describes with her usual imaginative flair for even the smallest of details. History comes alive as we follow Duro in his quest for revenge but also enjoy the modern day dilemma which Mac faces as the ex-girlfriend of a very famous rockstar.
The shadowy element of past lives is described seamlessly so that I never felt like one timeline intruded on the other and enjoyed spending time with all the characters. There’s a good blend of history and also a light romantic theme which helps to make Shadows in the Spring into a really lovely dual time story.
June 23, 2025
As it wasn't presented as part of a series (despite the matching titles and similar cover designs), I hadn't realised this book would be linked to Shadows in the Ashes (I had preordered it when it didn't have a blurb yet because the author is one of my favourites, so knowing it was a second time slip between Roman times and present was enough to guarantee I'd want to read it). It was therefore a pleasant surprise when I found out the chapters set in Roman times were about Duro, a former gladiator who had left Pompeii along with his friend Raedwald and the Roman lady Aemilia right in time to survive the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
I greatly enjoyed being invited back to that time to follow Duro on a quest (that takes him to places we know as Bath, England and Caerleon, Wales) and meet Gisel, his perfect love match. And the present-day chapters made for great reading moments too, with Mackenna (who's a student in Bath and has modelled for the cover of a rock band's new album) and Jonah (songwriter and guitarist in that rock band) suddenly experiencing disturbingly vivid dreams and visions that the reader understands better than them as they're clearly connected to the events of Gisel and Duro's story.
Note for those who might stop reading too soon otherwise: there's a bonus short story after the acknowledgments.
I greatly enjoyed being invited back to that time to follow Duro on a quest (that takes him to places we know as Bath, England and Caerleon, Wales) and meet Gisel, his perfect love match. And the present-day chapters made for great reading moments too, with Mackenna (who's a student in Bath and has modelled for the cover of a rock band's new album) and Jonah (songwriter and guitarist in that rock band) suddenly experiencing disturbingly vivid dreams and visions that the reader understands better than them as they're clearly connected to the events of Gisel and Duro's story.
Note for those who might stop reading too soon otherwise: there's a bonus short story after the acknowledgments.
April 30, 2025
Once again Kristina Courtenay draws us into her world - in this case, two worlds, as she seamlessly moves from Roman Britain to the present day, with alternating chapters. Unlike most of the books I've read and enjoyed by this author, Shadows in the Spring is not a 'time slip' per se, but this story has a hint of re-incarnation and there is a definite connection between Duro and Gisel in Roman times and Mack and Jonah in the present day. As always, Kristina Courtenay immerses the reader in both worlds and the characters are beautifully drawn and easy to relate to. The re-incanation aspect is never overstated, but as their relationship deepens into romance, and artifacts such as a gold coin, and the ring Mac inherited from her aunt, lead them to realise that perhaps love lasts through the ages, not just for one lifetime and that they might have a mystical connection with Duro and Gisel. The story is obviously very well researched, and at times I felt that I was travelling back to Roman Britain myself, and the descriptions of the buildings, food and day to day life were totally believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and have no hesitation in recommending it and giving it five stars.
April 28, 2025
When Duro rejoins his Iceni tribe after escaping from life as a centurion when Vesuvius erupted, he doesn’t get quite the welcome he hopes for – his younger brother is now their leader. But establishing his place in the new order must wait – he embarks on a quest for revenge against the Roman soldiers who killed his parents. During his travels, he comes across Gisel, being sold as a slave, and frees her from her Roman captor – but it takes some considerable time to convince her that he’s to be trusted.
In the present day, Mackenna’s relationship with rock star Blue Daniels and the rather different lifestyle she’s been enjoying are over. Jonah, another band member, has also had more than enough of Blue – but, having offered his support when she left, she’s finds she’s keen to have him as a friend in her newly rebuilt life. There’s an attraction between them that they both unsuccessfully try to resist – but neither of them can escape the attention of the media, and although he’s able to provide her with a much-needed refuge, the complications seem to make anything further impossible.
Two very different storylines, but they’re quite perfectly balanced – parallels cleverly drawn between the individuals and relationships, along with that thin veil between past and present that the author always excels at, moments of deja vu when surroundings change and there are sometimes momentarily disconcerting glimpses of the past.
There’s no wrenching between the two stories, separated by so many centuries – the well-researched detail of life in Roman Britannia makes that world exceptionally vivid and real, but I was equally happy to wander the streets of modern day Bath with Mac and Jonah. And both stories were equally intriguing and compelling – emotional at times, with their moments of well written drama, plenty of tension, unexpected twists and turns, and two central developing romances I entirely believed in.
This was such clever writing – and I really loved the symmetry of the stories and the connections between them, two equally convincing love stories spanning the years that separate them. Very much recommended – this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
In the present day, Mackenna’s relationship with rock star Blue Daniels and the rather different lifestyle she’s been enjoying are over. Jonah, another band member, has also had more than enough of Blue – but, having offered his support when she left, she’s finds she’s keen to have him as a friend in her newly rebuilt life. There’s an attraction between them that they both unsuccessfully try to resist – but neither of them can escape the attention of the media, and although he’s able to provide her with a much-needed refuge, the complications seem to make anything further impossible.
Two very different storylines, but they’re quite perfectly balanced – parallels cleverly drawn between the individuals and relationships, along with that thin veil between past and present that the author always excels at, moments of deja vu when surroundings change and there are sometimes momentarily disconcerting glimpses of the past.
There’s no wrenching between the two stories, separated by so many centuries – the well-researched detail of life in Roman Britannia makes that world exceptionally vivid and real, but I was equally happy to wander the streets of modern day Bath with Mac and Jonah. And both stories were equally intriguing and compelling – emotional at times, with their moments of well written drama, plenty of tension, unexpected twists and turns, and two central developing romances I entirely believed in.
This was such clever writing – and I really loved the symmetry of the stories and the connections between them, two equally convincing love stories spanning the years that separate them. Very much recommended – this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 21, 2025
Knowing where to begin is often challenging for a reviewer, and this book was no different. Therefore, I will strive to stay within the confines of the synopsis to avoid including any spoilers.
We first met Duro in Shadows in the Ashes, and I was drawn to his character from that point on. He was billed as a strong Barbarian, but digging deeper and discovering that his driving forces were tied up with family allegiance and loyalty to his friends didn't take long. Gisel had been taken from her family and was being sold as a slave, but Duro couldn’t fight the feeling that he was drawn to the white-haired beauty, and set out to free her, hopefully winning her trust.
In the modern day, Mackenna Jackson was the girlfriend of rockstar, Blue Daniels. That lifestyle falls apart when she discovers him cheating, and she relies heavily on Blue’s bandmate, Jonah. We soon learn that Jonah has been carrying a proverbial torch for her and is fighting strong feelings. Of course, Mac is off limits as she’s his bandmate’s ex, and couldn’t possibly be interested in him.
It’s impossible not to draw comparisons between the couples of the past and the couples of the present day. Descriptively, they are both similar, but it takes their awakening feelings for the symmetry to kick in fully. Whether it’s Duro or Jonah, their attraction to Gisel and Mac was undeniable.
Mixed with the occasional flashback to Roman Britain, the tension builds beautifully.
As the two timelines move toward a hopeful conclusion, the paths are not without obstacles. They must overcome an overzealous slave owner and a vengeful ex-lover. In the present day, obstacles also exist that challenge the possibility of happiness.
I absolutely loved how Christina balanced the two timelines and maintained the parallels in their lives, showing that despite the centuries between them, history can truly repeat itself and provide a love story across the years.
We first met Duro in Shadows in the Ashes, and I was drawn to his character from that point on. He was billed as a strong Barbarian, but digging deeper and discovering that his driving forces were tied up with family allegiance and loyalty to his friends didn't take long. Gisel had been taken from her family and was being sold as a slave, but Duro couldn’t fight the feeling that he was drawn to the white-haired beauty, and set out to free her, hopefully winning her trust.
In the modern day, Mackenna Jackson was the girlfriend of rockstar, Blue Daniels. That lifestyle falls apart when she discovers him cheating, and she relies heavily on Blue’s bandmate, Jonah. We soon learn that Jonah has been carrying a proverbial torch for her and is fighting strong feelings. Of course, Mac is off limits as she’s his bandmate’s ex, and couldn’t possibly be interested in him.
It’s impossible not to draw comparisons between the couples of the past and the couples of the present day. Descriptively, they are both similar, but it takes their awakening feelings for the symmetry to kick in fully. Whether it’s Duro or Jonah, their attraction to Gisel and Mac was undeniable.
Mixed with the occasional flashback to Roman Britain, the tension builds beautifully.
As the two timelines move toward a hopeful conclusion, the paths are not without obstacles. They must overcome an overzealous slave owner and a vengeful ex-lover. In the present day, obstacles also exist that challenge the possibility of happiness.
I absolutely loved how Christina balanced the two timelines and maintained the parallels in their lives, showing that despite the centuries between them, history can truly repeat itself and provide a love story across the years.
May 2, 2025
I'm not sure if I can write anything new about this author's books: well plotted, great attention to historical details, an intriguing way of mixing the timelines without creating any confusion and making you wish you could read both at the same time.
The fact is that my review could summerize in two images that I found both mysterious and good at expressing the sense: the face of a man, from Trajan Markets in Rome, the image of the Matronea, a triple Celtice goddesses which were worshipped in the Central Celtic area of Roman Empire.
They seem to represent the atmosphere and the impression of the characters.
Loved them as I loved this book. Well done, can't wait to read the next
Read it and travel in time and space.
Many thanks to Headline and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
The fact is that my review could summerize in two images that I found both mysterious and good at expressing the sense: the face of a man, from Trajan Markets in Rome, the image of the Matronea, a triple Celtice goddesses which were worshipped in the Central Celtic area of Roman Empire.
They seem to represent the atmosphere and the impression of the characters.
Loved them as I loved this book. Well done, can't wait to read the next
Read it and travel in time and space.
Many thanks to Headline and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed this timeslip fiction where the people and events in Roman Britain shadow modern-day Britain. In ancient Britain, Duro and Gisel undertake an epic journey of love and vengeance, paving the way for a contemporary romance between Jonah and Mac, who are both drawn to the people and times of ancient Britain. The believable timeslip portrayed by dreams, shadowy visions and perceptions gives this story a mystical quality and uniqueness. The romance is the force that drives the stories and the thing that ultimately connects them. Both timelines are immersive and intriguing, and it's a story I couldn't put down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 25, 2025
I have to start by saying I have loved Christina Courtenay's books for a very long time.
Her novels blend the past and present seamlessly, the story flows and there is no sense of jumping around from person to person.
This novel is the perfect example of a dual timeline. The writing in AD80's is so descriptive you really feel you are walking in Duro and Gisel's shoes. And unlike some novels the present day doesn't feel like an add on. The known take if everyone having a soulmate is certainly true here.
Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Nicola Cornick and Ananda Geard, this novel must cement Christina as one of the Queens of dual timeline novels
Her novels blend the past and present seamlessly, the story flows and there is no sense of jumping around from person to person.
This novel is the perfect example of a dual timeline. The writing in AD80's is so descriptive you really feel you are walking in Duro and Gisel's shoes. And unlike some novels the present day doesn't feel like an add on. The known take if everyone having a soulmate is certainly true here.
Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Nicola Cornick and Ananda Geard, this novel must cement Christina as one of the Queens of dual timeline novels
May 11, 2025
This author has a brilliant way
Of connecting the past with today,
Sharing lives of folks from both eras so they seem
Connected in reality rather than a dream.
This glorious read is engaging and enthralling, too,
Sharing the lives of the people and what they go through.
Living in Britain in Roman times and now
Their lives - or souls - are linked somehow.
Two romances set in different times
With insights into lives and crimes.
Such a brilliant storyteller, I hope you'll agree,
After reading it for yourself to see!
For my copy of this brilliant book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Of connecting the past with today,
Sharing lives of folks from both eras so they seem
Connected in reality rather than a dream.
This glorious read is engaging and enthralling, too,
Sharing the lives of the people and what they go through.
Living in Britain in Roman times and now
Their lives - or souls - are linked somehow.
Two romances set in different times
With insights into lives and crimes.
Such a brilliant storyteller, I hope you'll agree,
After reading it for yourself to see!
For my copy of this brilliant book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
May 5, 2025
If I'm looking for a stunning timeslip read, Courtenay is the author behind some of the best I've read!
It catchy my eye because it transported me back to the time of the gladiators, Rome circa AD 80...this being a time period I'm absolutely fascinated by.
I was hooked! The story is absolutely captivating with history repeating itself two millennia later. Definitely not one to be rushed!
The author's attention to history is second to none and her words brought the scenes to life in all their vivid detail.
Loved it!
It catchy my eye because it transported me back to the time of the gladiators, Rome circa AD 80...this being a time period I'm absolutely fascinated by.
I was hooked! The story is absolutely captivating with history repeating itself two millennia later. Definitely not one to be rushed!
The author's attention to history is second to none and her words brought the scenes to life in all their vivid detail.
Loved it!
May 8, 2025
a love story across time
When I read Christinas books I always long to travel. after finishing reading this book I really want to go to Bath! And we all now this book has a happy ending , just like all her books.
When I read Christinas books I always long to travel. after finishing reading this book I really want to go to Bath! And we all now this book has a happy ending , just like all her books.
August 19, 2025
great
Amazing Historical Facts intwined with a simmering romance.
What’s not to love. A good and interesting book. Very informative and enjoyable.
Amazing Historical Facts intwined with a simmering romance.
What’s not to love. A good and interesting book. Very informative and enjoyable.
May 1, 2025
This was an easy to read book which is told thru dual timelines. The one in the past takes place during Roman times. I didn’t find that story as interesting as the one set in the present. Mac & Jonah’s story was more interesting even if it was predictable. It’s a nice romantic story
June 19, 2025
Shadows in the Spring is the sequel to Shadows in the Ashes (click on the blue to see my review of the first book) which also featured the character of Duro, although he was a minor character in that book. Although it is the sequel to an equally enjoyable timeslip/dual timeline novel, it would definitely work as a standalone too, but having loved both, my recommendation is that you do read them in order!
The thing that I love the most about the timeslip novels that Christina Courtenay writes is the way in which occasionally time blurs between the two timelines and the modern day couple Mac and Jonah both catch glimpses of events from the past and experiences their ancient counterpart went through.
In AD 80, when Duro a former gladiator and slave returns from Pompeii to seek revenge on the Roman who murdered his mother, took his sister slave, and sent him to a life of slavery, and subsequently gladiator training. Escaping with his friend Raedwald to head back home years later he finds himself freeing a beautiful Germanic slave Gisel, who joins him on his mission. Duro was so gentle and caring it was inevitable that Gisel would end up falling for him. I loved the way they worked so perfectly together to achieve success in their travels to locate the Roman, whilst also searching for his sister and his youngest brother.
In the modern day story, Mac is the ex girlfriend of rockstar Blue, but following their break up, his bandmate Jonah looks out for her and their friendship gradually develops into something more. There are definite parallels to the story involving Duro and Gisel, beyond their physical resemblance, but I think it really adds to the synergy between the two storylines.
The locations in and around Bath, the southwest and Caerleon in South Wales really draw the past and the present together effortlessly. The author described the locations so clearly that I could practically smell the sulphur at the Roman Baths, and picture the amphitheatre in Caerleon.
Shadows in the Spring is a captivating story that works perfectly on its own and with the first book too.
The thing that I love the most about the timeslip novels that Christina Courtenay writes is the way in which occasionally time blurs between the two timelines and the modern day couple Mac and Jonah both catch glimpses of events from the past and experiences their ancient counterpart went through.
In AD 80, when Duro a former gladiator and slave returns from Pompeii to seek revenge on the Roman who murdered his mother, took his sister slave, and sent him to a life of slavery, and subsequently gladiator training. Escaping with his friend Raedwald to head back home years later he finds himself freeing a beautiful Germanic slave Gisel, who joins him on his mission. Duro was so gentle and caring it was inevitable that Gisel would end up falling for him. I loved the way they worked so perfectly together to achieve success in their travels to locate the Roman, whilst also searching for his sister and his youngest brother.
In the modern day story, Mac is the ex girlfriend of rockstar Blue, but following their break up, his bandmate Jonah looks out for her and their friendship gradually develops into something more. There are definite parallels to the story involving Duro and Gisel, beyond their physical resemblance, but I think it really adds to the synergy between the two storylines.
The locations in and around Bath, the southwest and Caerleon in South Wales really draw the past and the present together effortlessly. The author described the locations so clearly that I could practically smell the sulphur at the Roman Baths, and picture the amphitheatre in Caerleon.
Shadows in the Spring is a captivating story that works perfectly on its own and with the first book too.
July 20, 2025
Shadows in the Spring is another heart-wrenching and powerful historical time-slip novel by Christina Courtney. Her stories never fail to deliver powerful storytelling, heartwarming romance, swoony passion, unexpected twists and turns, and history brought to life in a vivid realism in the wild-west feel of Roman Britain in the aftermath of the Iceni uprising on a mission of revenge and justice spanning the millennia of the present day and 80 AD.
The characters are beautifully crafted, with cleverly drawn symmetry in their relationships across the veil of time between the past and present for Duro/Gisel and Mackenna/Jonah. Their romance is gentle and sweet, revolving around character journeys of healing, growth, and finding love with good men who adore them.
The atmospheric writing brings to life the harsh turbulence of the climate, with palpable tension between the native tribe and the Roman military, who exist on a knife's edge. The storytelling captures the cruel and superior attitudes of Rome, which viewed the British tribes as barbarians and treated women as second-class citizens, seeing the fierce Celtic women's spirits as something to be broken. The theme of women's treatment is reflected in the modern twists of Mackenna and Jonah's relationship, as they battle to have their rights respected and their contributions recognised.
Thank you, Christina Courtney and Headline, for approving my request on Netgalley for an eArc of Shadows in the Spring.
The characters are beautifully crafted, with cleverly drawn symmetry in their relationships across the veil of time between the past and present for Duro/Gisel and Mackenna/Jonah. Their romance is gentle and sweet, revolving around character journeys of healing, growth, and finding love with good men who adore them.
The atmospheric writing brings to life the harsh turbulence of the climate, with palpable tension between the native tribe and the Roman military, who exist on a knife's edge. The storytelling captures the cruel and superior attitudes of Rome, which viewed the British tribes as barbarians and treated women as second-class citizens, seeing the fierce Celtic women's spirits as something to be broken. The theme of women's treatment is reflected in the modern twists of Mackenna and Jonah's relationship, as they battle to have their rights respected and their contributions recognised.
Thank you, Christina Courtney and Headline, for approving my request on Netgalley for an eArc of Shadows in the Spring.
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