Hidden in the Mists

by Christina Courtenay

A love forged in fire lives on through the ages . . .

Skye Logan has been struggling to run her remote farm on Scotland's west coast alone ever since her marriage fell apart. When a handsome stranger turns up looking for work, it seems that her wish for help has been granted.

Rafe Carlisle is searching for peace and somewhere he can forget about the last few years. But echoes of the distant past won't leave Skye and Rafe alone, and they begin to experience vivid dreams which appear to be linked to the Viking jewellery they each wear.

It seems that the ghosts of the past have secrets . . . and they have something that they want Skye and Rafe to know.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Scotland

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2022

About the author

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) 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).

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a timeslip story and I LOVED it!
The first chapter is set in AD855 and grabs you straight away with some great action. Then we move to 2022 and meet Skye, our present day character. When we return to the past we meet Asta, our past heroine.
It would be hard to choose which storyline was my favourite. This is unusual for me as I normally read these books for the past story because I love history so much.
Both heroines are lovely, strong, independent women while being vulnerable at the same time.
Rafe, our modern day hero and Ottarr from the past have similarities, in being caring, trustworthy men who have suffered at the hands of others.
The love story in the past is sweet and gentle and the descriptions of Viking life were amazing. Life really was lived on a knife edge and just by being a woman made it harder still.
Skye's lifestyle was extremely interesting. We get an insight into small scale weaving and wool dyeing and how to live on what's provided by nature. It fascinated me.
There are a couple of great villains with Ketill, in the past, just edging it for me. Life was held very cheaply back then.
I had great fun looking up Viking words and their meanings.
I highly recommend this book to all timeslip and time travel fans but also to anyone who enjoys a well told story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an early copy of this book to read.

[Lauren coffeebooksandescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There was something timeless and comforting about the forest. When 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 until 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.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, this was a good book. It had a good fluidity between the two time periods and was realistic. Naturally I liked the older time better.

My favourite character was Asta. She was very together and knew how to look after her people and knew how to care for wounds.

I enjoyed both romances and found the language wasn't over the top or gross. I liked Ottar for his strength. I was surprised he waited 7 years.

I got a bit panicked over the stories climax at the end of the novel, as Matt was horrible and on drugs. I was glad Ketill got his comeuppance though.

I definitely need to read more about the Vikings.

[Tanya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover is amazing and drew me to this book! It's just beautiful and I can't say enough about it.

The premise of the story was engaging and while I'm not a huge fan of dual timelines, I thought it was very fitting in this story.

There were some hauntingly beautiful moments where the imagery jumped off the page and into my brain, where they will stay for some time to come.

The romance was just ok for me. I wanted to be swept away by it but there were just too many stops and stars, part of this because of the dual timeline but also because most of the book was about one thinking the other was hot or beautiful, etc.

It didn't feel romantic to me thus my feet stayed firmly on the ground. That's not to say that the romance storyline was bad, it just wasn't the grand sweeping love story that I expected.

The Viking storyline was pretty great and I may have even enjoyed that timeline a bit more as the characters were more romantically linked.

All in all, it's definitely worth a read for fans of dual timelines, historical romances and Viking historical fiction.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden in the mists front cover makes me feel calm when I look at and I love the colours and they way the front cover is presented. This is the first time ever I have read a book by Christina Courtenay. The story is set in dual timelines and I found that I didn’t get confused by this and I really like her style of writing and the dual lines are set in Scotland present and 19th century Scotland. The descriptions of the scenarios where amazing and I could really visualise them. The characters where very likeable. Hidden in the mist is historical Romance and this is part of Viking series but you can read this without reading the other books.
Skye is running farm in Scotland on her own due to her marriage breaking up and is struggling to do this by her self until someone walks into her life who may be able to help her.
if you love romance and vikings you will love this book 5 stars. Thank you @rararesources and @PiaCCourtenay for letting me be part of this review.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden in the mists front cover makes me feel calm when I look at and I love the colours and they way the front cover is presented. This is the first time ever I have read a book by Christina Courtenay. The story is set in dual timelines and I found that I didn’t get confused by this and I really like her style of writing and the dual lines are set in Scotland present and 19th century Scotland. The descriptions of the scenarios where amazing and I could really visualise them. The characters where very likeable. Hidden in the mist is historical Romance and this is part of Viking series but you can read this without reading the other books.
Skye is running farm in Scotland on her own due to her marriage breaking up and is struggling to do this by her self until someone walks into her life who may be able to help her.

if you love romance and vikings you will love this book 5 stars. Thank you @rararesources and @PiaCCourtenay for letting me be part of this review.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

I really enjoy time slip stories, the mix of historical fiction with fantasy, when done right can just be enchanting. I really enjoyed Courtenay's Tempted by the Runes where we see a character slip back to Viking times a la Outlander style. This story gives us a different kind of historical romance, one of a love that spans the ages. Skye and Rafe live in modern day Scotland and Ottar and Asta in the ancient lands of the Vikings. Each are living in uncertain times and find one another to lean on... and find they quite fancy one another.

We get a good bit of Viking culture and from several unusual points of view, that of a usurper, the daughter of a fallen jarl and a thrall. I enjoyed that half quite a bit more than the modern one but I did like the aspect of history echoing throughout the ages.

Thanks to Headline via Netgalley for advanced access to this novel. All opinions above are my own.

[Charry (SandToSnowStories) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic dual-time novel that will keep you at the edge Of your seat! I finished reading it in one sitting!

If you are looking for some Thrilling timeslip, read this summer; this book is for you.

Thank you, NetGalley, Publisher, and author, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Christina Courtenay but it definitely won’t be my last, think I’ve definitely found a new favourite (can’t wait to rush off after I’ve written this and purchase her back catalogue). I was drawn by the premise, it just sounded so interesting and mysterious and this moves between both the past and the present and focuses on love that spans the centuries with the Viking jewellery being the conduit across time (but no more details because no spoilers here)

This book was so addictive, especially the romance, the characters are so well written and constructed, it’s no wonder you grow so attached through the book to them. I loved Rafe’s story so much, so moving and it was done perfectly, keeping the tension and mystery til just the right point, then boom -emotion! Not that I didn’t love Skye too, but I think there was something about Rafe, or I have to just accept I’m biased !

Christina is so skilled in bringing to life the Viking world, the clothes, food, rituals, just daily life was really interesting and it gave so much more to the story that she’s clearly very knowledgeable about this era, it makes this book even more compelling and so thoroughly immersive.

A completely gorgeous , compelling, sometimes dark but so beautiful historical romance with so much mystery and drama threaded throughout the story, I can’t recommend this highly enough.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Christina Courtenay for the opportunity to read and take part in the blog tour for this wonderful book.

For full disclosure I was gifted a free ebook in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own and freely given

[Erin Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye Logan has chosen an alternative lifestyle away from the trappings of modern society within a deserted Scottish farm house and the surrounding woodlands. Her focus is restoring the property and maintaining the solitary life she’s come to enjoy since her recent marriage break-up. Rafe Carlisle, lives a nomadic lifestyle traveling the Scottish coastline in his camper van, working and earning wherever possible. Can Skye trust this newcomer to work and assist as he heartily promised? Or will ex-husband Craig put a spanner in the works of her future plan?

Hidden in the mists of ancient time is an equally beautiful relationship which is slowly blossoming in this intriguing Scottish time-slip. A long-forgotten era, where powerful male cousins attempt to over-throw the birthright of Asta, the chieftain’s only daughter. Despite the undying respect towards her deceased father, the villages daren’t go against the wishes of such a tyrannical Viking as Ketill. Asta’s only hope is to bravely fight for what she truly believes is hers aided by her trusted companion, Eithne. Her new-found friendship with the blacksmith, Ottarr seems promising, but will her father’s successful raids be the undoing of her future happiness?

This beautiful time-slip story moves seamlessly between 2022 and AD 890. Symbolism, Nordic language, Viking traditions and decorative bangles forge an unforgettable tale of true love, honour and destiny. Highly recommended. Five stars.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden in the Mists is my first read from Christina Courtenay. Can we talk about how eye catching this cover is? Whew. That is definitely what drew me in at first. The good news… there is an amazing story between the pages!

This story alternates between two timelines; one of which, is set in the Viking Era. I absolutely love the way this author presents the timeftame. It is almost like I was transported back to the Viking Era. I could see and feel the things I was reading. I love getting lost in a story.

This story spans across time to cover two love stories. I was almost instantly hooked and this was incredibly difficult to put down. Between the amazing characters with deep backstories and the incredible writing that swept me away, I couldn’t get enough.

At this point, I think you have enough to understand why you NEED to check this book out. I’m off to check out more from this author (because I obviously need more books in my TBR pile).

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A time slip romance

My Review: Hidden in the Mists by Christina Courtenay is a dual-time novel. It goes back and forth from the past to the present connecting two couples by means of a valuable stash.

About the Book: Skye Logan and Rafe Carlisle, a modern-day couple, share a link with Óttarr and Ásta a couple from ancient Viking times. Through a series of mysterious visions and dreams, the two would be lovers uncover a historical case of intrigue.

My Final Say: There was a lot going on in this book. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a sweeping temporal view of a contemporary romance will like this.

Other: This may be a bit of a niche read.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level:
Cover: +
Pacing: +/-

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling read. I absolutely loved how the two timelines intersected and the elements of magic realism that drew them together.

Skye and Rafe (from the present) were beautifully rendered characters, and I championed them - as individuals and together - from the beginning. The setting was beautifully depicted and I could vividly imagine life in rural Scotland.

And this author is so skilled at writing the Viking world, it becomes utterly immersive and so easy to envision. This meant I immediately became engrossed with Óttarr and Ásta's lives - their motivations and objectives were so richly drawn and elicited a deep empathy.

A beautiful, sometimes dark but always compelling, romantic read. Highly recommended.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

History is brought to life in this beautiful and 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.

[Katrina Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Christina Courtenay book I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I am starting to get used to her dual time line/time slip novels and I have enjoyed each one.

[Jenni Keer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this book, and the haunting connection between the two intriguing timelines. Cleverly researched (as always) and heart-achingly beautiful. Five hand-forged Viking stars from me!

[Angela DT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden in the Mists by Christina Courtenay

Skye Logan has been struggling to run her remote farm on Scotland's west coast alone ever since her marriage fell apart. When a handsome stranger turns up looking for work, it seems that her wish for help has been granted.
A beautiful story set in two timelines linked by a Scottish island , a Viking settlement, and a bangle.
The four main characters were a delight , and the storyline magical.
You can't go wrong in picking up a book by this author, she never fails to enthrall her devoted readers.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Timeslip novel, bring the past and the present together with such fluidity.
We start in AD883 with vikings, Asta's father, pillaging Ottarr's fathers realm, and the present day with Skye managing a smallholding in Argyll on her own.
A bracelet that Skye finds links herself with Asta's story, and when Rafe turns up for seasonal work she feels drawn to him as though they've met before.
Both sides of the story were interesting, was fascinating to read about wool dyeing and weaving and living off the land.
A fabulous read

[HILARY ANDERSON - BELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant time slip from the time slip queen herself. I loved the way the two stories ran alongside each other. Set in the 9th century and now it is a very enjoyable read I devoured it in one sitting.

[Mrs Karen Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book well written, great feel good book for people don't want violence etc and want take themselves out of the current world and indulge in make believe

[Sally Perrin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book I have read by Christina Courtnenay, very disappointed, not up to her usual standard, boring and predictable storyline, total waste of money. Don’t bother reading.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it left much to be desired. It felt like I was reading her other books all over again. The themes and scenes are so similar.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've so far read all of Ms Courtenay's recent timeslip/dual-timeline Viking novels, and Hidden in the Mists is one of her best. I loved it.

Not a timeslip, but a dual-timeline novel, Hidden in the Mists tells two parallel tales, one in the present day and another in AD 883 / 890. The location of this set of stories is on the west coast of Scotland, in rural Argyll.

In the present day, we have Skye, recently separated from her ogre of a husband, Craig, after they started a new life in the remote countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. She loves her little haven, but it's hard work, and she is struggling. When handsome Rafe turns up in his battered old camper van, looking for work, she reluctantly accepts his offer as she realises she needs the help. Soon, they fall into a routine as he helps with the work on her extension to create a holiday let. She keeps the news of the separation from her husband from him, being careful. But Rafe has secrets of his own, and those unravel as the story progresses.
Unbeknownst to each other, both spot what must be ghosts on the shoreline, and their dreams merge a distant past with the present. Drawn to each other, their budding friendship, and then relationship, reveal the secrets ’hidden in the mists’...

In the past, young Ásta's dying father admits to having been responsible for the deaths of defenceless women and children during his raids along the coast. When, following his death, her cousin, Ketill, takes over the settlement contrary to the agreement with her father that she would be in charge, she lets him get away with it out of fear. But feeling responsible for the people, she decides not to turn to her mother's tribe for help. But help appears from unexpected quarters - the young blacksmith, Óttarr, a former thrall but now a freeman turns out to be on her side. But he also has a secret, one that involves his quest for revenge against Ásta's family.

The two stories overlap nicely, with both couples facing similar challenges, despite the difference in time. Tension builds up slowly and realistically, culminating in moments of grave danger in both stories. An error of judgment is revealed that affected Rafe's life, and explain his existence in his camper van. This brings danger to Skye's door, but everything is neatly tied up in the end.
In the past, Ásta and Óttarr have to face down scheming Ketill, which leads to events neither expected.

Hidden in the Mists is a fabulous tale of feeling left alone, dealing with unexpected challenges, finding someone equally as complicated, and forging a path together. The stories run nicely alongside each other, and it was easy to slip from the present into the past and back.

The characters were all realistic, with their worries, fears, and suppressed anger, and Ms Courtenay dealt with their issues sensitively but realistically. The location is, of course, breathtaking, and Ms Courtenay's research (from dyeing wool to forging weapons) is impeccable.

My only snag would be that Skye sounds too English when she speaks. Whilst the author has woven some lovely, everyday Scots words into Skye's dialogue, for me, they weren't enough to portray Skye as Scottish. (But I know that writing in dialect can go badly wrong for non-Native authors, and I'm glad Ms Courtenay did not try to go down that rabbit hole.) It won't be an issue for most readers, who will likely rather enjoy the odd Scots word thrown in.

The other point was that some modern words crept into the dialogue and narrative of the Viking past. It's easily done when you write two parallel stories, but a few words threw me a little. But these were minor points, and happened rarely. Ms Courtenay knows how to write gripping and realistic dual-timeline and timeslip stories very well.

Hidden in the Mists is one of my favourite novels in that series. It's gripping, engaging, fast-paced, and with scenes of very high tension. The love stories evolve naturally, and the challenges faced by all four main characters are set firmly in their own times.

A truly wonderful novel.

Note: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All reviews expressed are my own.

[Monika Caparelli-Hippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angekündigt wird das Buch als „The sweepingly romantic, epic new dual-time novel from the author of ECHOES OF THE RUNES (English Edition)“, und das sind ja meine Schlagworte: episch, romantisch, Zeitenwelten. Und obwohl ich normalerweise kein Cover-käufer bin, hier hat mich das Titelbild gepackt, ich dachte, ich muss das Buch lesen, und habe vom Verlag ein Vorab-Rezensionsexemplar bekommen – vielen Dank an dieser Stelle hierfür!
Ich kannte die Autorin bislang noch nicht, und bin froh, sie entdeckt zu haben. Ms Courteney schreibt mitreissend, sehr bildhaft, atmosphärisch dicht, und zwar einerseits mit einem elegantem Stil, aber andererseits auch so flüssig und locker, dass ich in diesen englischen Roman auch als Nicht-Muttersprachlerin problemlos versinken konnte.
Zum Inhalt: Wir sind in Schottland, in the middle of nowhere. An der Westküste betreibt Skye Logan eine Farm und versorgt sich hier selbst. Sie erfüllt sich hiermit ihren Traum vom Leben im Einklang mit der Natur. Eigentlich war es der gemeinsame Traum von ihrem Mann und ihr, doch das einsame und arbeitsreiche Leben war dann doch nichts für den „soon to be ex-husband“. Eines Tages taucht Rafe Carlisle auf der Bildfläche auf; ein geheimnisvoller Fremder, der auf der Suche nach Ruhe und Arbeit ist und ein altes Geheimnis mit sich herumzutragen scheint. Rafe heuert als Arbeitskraft bei Skye an, und die beiden entpuppen sich als gutes Team…..und spüren sich voneinander magisch angezogen.
Im 9. Jahrhundert auf demselben Fleckchen Land leben Asta und Ottarr in einer Wikingersiedlung. Asta, Tochter des jüngst verstorbenen Jarls, und Ottarr, dessen Dorf vor Jahren überfallen und vernichtet wurde, und der seitdem als Lehrling des Schmids in der Siedlung lebt, spüren dieselbe Anziehungskraft und erleben eine ähnliche Lovestory……und tauchen als Schatten aus der Vergangenheit immer wieder bei Rafe und Skye auf.
Wir folgen als Leser abwechselnd Asta und Ottarr in der Wikingerzeit und Skye und Rafe im Heute, und haben doch jederzeit eine Verbindung zwischen den Zeiten und Welten. Das war wirklich gut gemacht. Asta erscheint in Skyes Träumen, und Ottarr in denen von Rafi. Wir haben hier also keinen klassischen Zeitreiseroman, sondern die Verbindung zwischen den Jahrhunderten ist subtiler, aber nichts desto trotz genauso spannend. Und realistischer (also realistisch ist natürlich relativ, ich weiss, aber wenn man an Geister aus der Vergangenheit glaubt, dann ist das hier eine halbwegs realistische Story 😉).
Die Autorin hat wohl schon einige andere Romane veröffentlicht, die in der Wikingerzeit spielen, und kennt sich hier aus, ich fand die Beschreibung des Lebens- und der Gesellschaftstrukturen in Astas Clan sehr eindrucksvoll. War historisch sehr gut recherchiert, das hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ich komme zu einem Fazit: das war ein richtig, richtig schöner Schmöker. Mit 368 Seiten leider etwas kurz, aber soooooo schön. Zwei wundervolle romantische Geschichten, die so wunderbar zu einem Ganzem verwoben waren. Zwei tolle Heldinnen, zwei tolle Helden zum Dahinschmelzen. Abenteuer und Action. Liebe und Herzschmerz. Plus eine tolle Gegend als Hintergrundszenario. Hat mich mitgerissen und begeistert.
Und natürlich mit Happy End. Soviel verrate ich mal. Ich liebe nämlich Happy Ends 😊!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is love, whether you’re a Viking of the past or a contemporary woman living on a farm in Scotland 
After her marriage fell apart, Skye Logan is living alone on her farm on Scotland’s west coast. Living alone, and on a farm isn’t easy and it’s hard work to make ends meet.
When stranger Rafe appears on her doorstep, looking for work, Skye is wary but the extra hands are obviously welcome.
It’s clear that Rafe is keeping secrets from her, as he is looking to forget about his past, but how can Skye blame him as she is keeping secrets from him too?
And what about those vivid dreams they both suddenly seem to have, about Vikings? Are they linked with the jewellery they both are wearing?
And who are the people in their dreams? What are they trying to tell Skye and Rafe?  
In my honest opinion, dual timelines in a story can be tricky. Because if you have a clear link between the two stories, and both stories are equally strong, you can have a great book.
But if you don’t, things may seem farfetched for the readers.
Luckily for us, Christina Courtenay wrote a book which is clearly the former! 
The story begins already with a bang. We get to know a young Ottar, who is the son of a Jarl, but his whole family and clan are being slaughtered by a rival group of Vikings and Ottar is taken hostage as a thrall.
Putting myself in his shoes, I could for sure comprehend why he was seeking for revenge for the murder of his family. But it’s also clear he is a smart one, as he doesn’t haste anything and knows he needs to grow muscles and strength and create a good plan that will lead him to success. 
I liked Ottar, not because he wants to avenge for what happened, but because despite his past and the way he is treated now, he still is a good young man.
When he meets Asta and starts to interact with her, we see how he wants to protect her from the injustice she is also enduring.
And he knows that Asta, being the daughter of the Jarl responsible of his own family’s death, cannot be held responsible for her father’s acts. 
I found it sweet to see how Ottar and Asta were getting closer, developing feelings they didn’t expect. 
Especially because Asta is just perfect for Ottar. She is kind, gentle, sweet and caring. And she acts at the best interest of her clan, even when it would have been her right to lead the clan, but that right has been stolen from her.
She also had a perfect sense of what’s right and what’s wrong, and always does the right thing. 
So how does this bring us to the present with Skye and her struggles? All because of a piece of jewellery Skye finds on her grounds. Once found, Skye begins to have these dreams about Vikings, obviously related to Ottar and Asta. 
I have to admit, if a Rafe would appear on my doorstep, and ask for work, I wouldn’t know I would let him. I am very a very wary and suspicious person, and as Skye is living on her own, on a farm, well, I had bells ringing all over in my head. 
But actions speak louder than words, and quickly I started to like Rafe too! 
He is the kind of man not afraid of some dirty work (literally speaking, you dirty minded people! 😊) and is eager to learn new things, that Skye shows him. 
Also here, it was lovely to see Skye and Rafe growing closer.
Skye is going through a rough patch, with her marriage fallen apart while her husband refuses to sign the papers, and I can only imagine the hardship of running a farm on your own.
Skye and Rafe meeting is exactly what they both needed, for being able to move on with the next chapters of their lives. 
Towards the end I was afraid that the perfect ending in my mind would be a wish from my overly romantic heart, as it seemed impossible for both stories to reach that outcome. Because the author managed perfectly to let us sit on the edge of our seat until the very end!

If these both stories would be separate books, standing on themselves, I would for sure enjoy them. But having them merged together, made them even better. Even for me, a sceptical woman who doesn’t believe in the supernatural! 
I truly loved reading this story (these stories), as it shows us that no matter what you have planned, love can make you change your plans, and show us another, better outcome for our lives.
It totally, and to be honest – unexpectedly, swept me of my feet, I was totally into the story and I even forgot my wariness towards the supernatural/ inexplicable!  

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shamefully this is the first book I have read by Christina Courtney (how is that possible??) I have a few of her books languishing on my kindle, as I have always loved the sound of her books, but as we all know it’s one o those cases of too many books and not enough reading time in the day (especially when you’re a ridiculously slow reader, like myself) so you can imagine how excited I was to finally have the opportunity to sit down ad read one of them, and what an introduction to Courtenay’s work. Loved it!!

Absolutely loved it!!

I am a big fan of timeslip romances, I have read a lot of them but I am indeed incredibly fussy about the books in this genre that I do like as I think at times it can be rather hit and miss. I don’t know about other readers but I think getting the timeslip element right in a book is a real skill, you can see the skills in the writing as your read. But this one hits all other books in the genre out of the ballpark. I think this may be one of the best I have read, the writing is utterly magical the way the past and the present so seamlessly entwine is mesmerising, the writing, the research the romance, the characters – everything is flawlessly written and a pure delight to read!

I do love a Viking romance (or just Viking’s full stop, those who know me will know of my love of those gorgeous rugged Vikings…;-) ) and this is gorgeous!! Split between the present day and the Viking era, 900 years in the past this tells two gorgeous stories which meticulously entwine together.

The opening hooks the reader from the first sentence, and the intensity of the story keeps hold of the reader right to the end. Usually, I would say ‘oh I loved this part of the story a little more than that part’ but with this, because each part is so compelling I couldn’t honestly say which timeline I loved most, I liked how it alternates between the two eras and how the past merges with the present, it’s so easy to read that I was never confused over who was who or what was happening. The romance in both eras is so beautiful, it’s tender and sweet, both the romances will give you goosebumps and make your heart melt.

This has some wonderfully memorable characters, obviously being me I loved Ottar – I do love a strong, loyal, silently vulnerable man who you know you can trust with your life and this is Ottar, in a nutshell, in fact, Rafe is a lot like him too (I am torn!!) Asta and Skye are wonderful women, proper matches for the men; these two women are kind, caring and strong-willed, there are some vulnerabilities which along with the heroes they must try to overcome.

Hidden in the Mists is a haunting, atmospheric and mesmerising tale of absolute love, a definite must-read and now I really must start reading the Christina Courtenay books I have left far too long on my to-read shelf!

[Frankie]

Shamefully this is the first book I have read by Christina Courtney (how is that possible??) I have a few of her books languishing on my kindle, as I have always loved the sound of her books, but as we all know it’s one o those cases of too many books and not enough reading time in the day (especially when you’re a ridiculously slow reader, like myself) so you can imagine how excited I was to finally have the opportunity to sit down ad read one of them, and what an introduction to Courtenay’s work. Loved it!!

Absolutely loved it!!

I am a big fan of timeslip romances, I have read a lot of them but I am indeed incredibly fussy about the books in this genre that I do like as I think at times it can be rather hit and miss. I don’t know about other readers but I think getting the timeslip element right in a book is a real skill, you can see the skills in the writing as your read. But this one hits all other books in the genre out of the ballpark. I think this may be one of the best I have read, the writing is utterly magical the way the past and the present so seamlessly entwine is mesmerising, the writing, the research the romance, the characters – everything is flawlessly written and a pure delight to read!

I do love a Viking romance (or just Viking’s full stop, those who know me will know of my love of those gorgeous rugged Vikings…;-) ) and this is gorgeous!! Split between the present day and the Viking era, 900 years in the past this tells two gorgeous stories which meticulously entwine together.

The opening hooks the reader from the first sentence, and the intensity of the story keeps hold of the reader right to the end. Usually, I would say ‘oh I loved this part of the story a little more than that part’ but with this, because each part is so compelling I couldn’t honestly say which timeline I loved most, I liked how it alternates between the two eras and how the past merges with the present, it’s so easy to read that I was never confused over who was who or what was happening. The romance in both eras is so beautiful, it’s tender and sweet, both the romances will give you goosebumps and make your heart melt.

This has some wonderfully memorable characters, obviously being me I loved Ottar – I do love a strong, loyal, silently vulnerable man who you know you can trust with your life and this is Ottar, in a nutshell, in fact, Rafe is a lot like him too (I am torn!!) Asta and Skye are wonderful women, proper matches for the men; these two women are kind, caring and strong-willed, there are some vulnerabilities which along with the heroes they must try to overcome.

Hidden in the Mists is a haunting, atmospheric and mesmerising tale of absolute love, a definite must-read and now I really must start reading the Christina Courtenay books I have left far too long on my to-read shelf!

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A love forged in fire lives on through the ages’.

My thanks to Headline Review for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Hidden in the Mists’ by Christina Courtenay.

I had enjoyed her 2020 time slip romance, ‘Echoes of the Runes’, and here again she explores relationships linked through time.

Ever since her marriage fell apart Skye Logan has been struggling to run Auchenbeag, a small remote farm on Scotland's west coast. Early one misty morning she glimpses the shadowy figure of a woman on her property. The next day she sees an article about the discovery of the remains of a Viking village on land next to hers. A drawing accompanying the text looks very like the woman she glimpsed. Skye wonders if it was a ghost disturbed by the excavation. Then she finds a heavy gold bracelet in a brook ….she slips it onto her arm.

Soon after a handsome chap turns up seeking work. Rafe Carlisle is searching for peace and somewhere he can forget about the last few years. He has recently purchased a silver ring inscribed with runes. Skye hires him though as she is living on her own with two dogs, she pretends that her husband is away on business.

Yet echoes of the distant past haunt Skye and Rafe and they begin to experience vivid dreams which appear to be linked to the Viking jewellery they each wear.

In 890 Ásta ThorfinnsdÓttir’s father has died. She was to inherit his position but her ambitious cousin usurps her though forces her to continue managing the community. She has an ally in Óttarr, the blacksmith, a former thrall who was recently freed by her father. The account of their lives is interwoven with the modern day story.

I admit that I was a little put off when Rafe was described as having a man bun. Still, I quickly warmed to him. Skye was a lovely character from the outset.

Are Skye and Rafe connected to the past by the artefacts they have recently found? Did the recent excavation of the Viking settlement stir up unsettled spirits? Is this a case of reincarnated souls finding each other? Such fascinating questions seem central to Courtenay’s time slip novels, leaving it to the reader how they interpret the narrative.

I enjoyed this very much and found her descriptions of Scotland past and present evocative. I certainly plan to read more of Christina Courtenay’s writings and to look out for her future projects.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.