Riona's Promise

The Caragh Chronicles #1

by Rachel Skatvold

After her father is killed by Durnin sea raiders, Riona’s simple life in Whelan is forever altered. Named second in line to the Mairead throne, her uncle King Hedrek sends her to a convent for her formal education. Years later, when Riona and her mother are invited to Shea, she knows attending the annual tournament is only an excuse for the journey. Now of age, she must impress her mother, uncle, and potential suitors. Reserved and a bit clumsy by nature, will Riona live up to their lofty expectations?

Branded an outlaw because of his father’s ties with the Durnins, Lord Eamonn longs to wipe his slate clean and resume peaceful trading with Mairead. However, when he arrives, King Hedrek declines to speak with him. Refusing to be ignored, Eamonn enters the tournament, in a desperate bid to win the king’s favor. With his people facing the threat of starvation during the coming winter, what choice does he have?

When Riona learns of his dilemma she is compelled to help Lord Eamonn and his people, despite her family’s disapproval. Should she listen to her heart even if it means rebelling against the king

Three young women, bound by friendship and faith, seek the Lord's will in their lives in The Caragh Chronicles. Each book brings a tale of love and faith in a medieval fantasy novella.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author of over a dozen books and a stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.

Reviews

[English · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise of this series, and I enjoyed the later part of this book more. There were a few things which bugged me though:

The length. Its not really short, its like 120 pages, but I almost felt there wasn't enough in the way of character development and the plot kind of suffered at times. Like it was trying to squeeze too much into a limited word count.

Some of the details.... yeah sorry to mention it but the Viking-like people having a ship equipped with a captain's quarters which included well-stocked bookshelf and desk, and a ship's wheel? That's not a Viking longship. That sounds more like an 18th century frigate.

Personally, this novel didn't "feel" very Medieval to me. It felt like it could have been set at any time in history. Still a good read, but I didn't feel immersed in the setting and there were several details which were too jarring. I'll certainly consider reaing the next two books in the series though.

[Beth Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has mystery, courage, promises, and adventure all in one. It also flows right along better than poor Riona's sea legs. She does get used to the ship though. Riona and Eamonn you could tell their is a magnetic pull between the two of them that they both try to ignore. But with Riona's compassion that pull finally pushes forward when Eamonn needs help. I 🤍LOVED how their personalities both meshed together. I also🤍LOVE that hers and Eamon's favorite season is fall. It is my favorite also. Eamonn reminds me of the kings of legend one that show's how fierce of a warrior he could be if his people are threatened. Riona with her compassion and other attributes she doesn't realize she has will make her and Eamonn brilliant leaders now both their people needs. There is an adorable fox in this book that you can't help, but just fall in love with. Plus I 🤍LOVE what he does toward the end, because it is just soooo cute. Another thing I will mention is that I really 🤍LOVED that this book is about God's timing for stuff and letting him lead your path. I Highly recommend it


**** Disclaimer I received a free copy of this book to review from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not obligated to like or dislike this book.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

[Jackie Malt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story

I love it when authors remind us of the power of prayer and of Gods plans for us all through the use of authentic characters and a good storyline. I look forward to reading the next books in this series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge, or justice? “Anyone can try to prove their strength by taking revenge but the strongest people trust God and forgive those who have wronged them.” Riona stands by these words, but she is challenged when an enemy, pretending to be a national hero, seeks to take over the kingdom. Her trust in God and meditations on Scripture help her hold her course.

Riona discovers that sometimes what we invest in rescuing becomes our burden. However, that burden can turn around to become our blessing. We see this discussion play out in various ways throughout the story. Such a delightful insight!

I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. They were not deeply developed, though they stir up empathy in the reader for their situations. There is the traditional villain, the faith-inspired heroine, the underdog fighting for survival of his clan, and the difficult royal parents. I think it was the ongoing message that endeared this story to me, as well as the easily imagined world the author created. My favorite characters? Definitely Berget and Finn! See what you think.

[Katherine Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Medieval Romance

Riona’s Promise was a quick and sweet read. It had clean romance and some adventure. Fight scenes were brief and not gory. There were good morals and encouragements in faith that were a bit on the nose but good nevertheless. The book took advantage of its medieval setting to include creative names, castles, jousting, and more. Two other characters are introduced who will feature in later books in the series which leaves one with exciting hints about what comes next.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow to this cover and really like the series title! That being said, the story felt way too short for what I hoped would be more of an epic tale. Riona was perfectly written; loved her courage, her faith, and her determination to do the right thing. She is a true princess longing for adventure, but also wanting to protect her people. The story just went by so fast, I didn't feel that the length did Riona's character justice. Great book filled with faith and plenty to overcome.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

In this book you'll find love, heartache, loneliness, betrayal, loyalty, kindness, compassion...
I could go on and on with emotions, but in it all you'll find action amidst relationship tensions, enemies showing their hands,... It's a good book you'll not regret reading!

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The medieval world holds many dangers where good and faithfulness seem to perish. It's in the gaps of the dark world that love seeps through, bringing healing, hope, and forgiveness. Can Riona be a means of drawing two nations together?

Bravo, Rachel!

[Teresa Arsenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing read

This was a nice, relaxing read. The old English dialect was unique and charming. The author could have done a better job of building tension before resolving conflicts, but I didn’t mind since real life has enough tension of its own right now.

[Sennin Kellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet with some surprises along the way

This was such a sweet book. Engaging characters, a couple twists that kept the story flowing but changed the trajectory of the story in a good way, and reminders that the Lord stays by our side through all things.

[Kessa Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly religious for my liking

But if you enjoy reading about faith and Christianity, then you may enjoy it. The story itself was good. And I liked the slightly shorter length.

[Anne Lightwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

Not a lot of tension, mainly action. Not a lot of character development. Great story for a light read. Enjoyed the faith based lessons in the book.

[Terra Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable sweet historical

Thank you giving us a wonderful book without any unnecessary bad stuff. I’m excited ton read your other books and series!