Book 1 of the Celtic Fervour Series set in northern Roman Britain AD 71, when Rome expands the boundaries of its western empire.
Banished from the nemeton, Nara of the Selgovae can no longer be a priestess. She must find herself a suitable mate before Beltane but her plan is thwarted by Lorcan of Garrigill, a rival Brigante, who takes her back to his hillfort.
As legions of the Roman Empire march northwards to extend their western boundaries, Nara is locked into a marriage bargain designed to unite the northern Celtic tribes to make them strong enough to repel Roman attack. When danger and death arrive in the form of the formidable Roman Legions, will Nara be able to choose her Beltane lover when the marriage bagrgain has such impossible conditions? Will Lorcan for ever be torn between loyalty to his tribe and embryonic love for Nara?
Excerpt
“The main settlement of Garrigill is over that hill. A short while only to ride; we must come to an understanding before we reach my father’s house.”
“An understanding?” Suspicious, but that was how she felt.
“You and I must make peace, then all else will follow, you must see that is our only course.”
Nara’s lips pursed in annoyance. “I do not see it is the only course at all, Brigante. Perhaps Tully of Garrigill will not be of your judgment. It may be he will not wish to be so closely associated with his enemies of old. Maybe he will think his son’s wits have become addled. Have you considered that? You do not speak for all of your tribe.”
“I do not know how my father will take my proposals, but we need action to benefit our whole Celtic race of peoples.”
Looking at his solemn countenance Nara knew without doubt he was serious about his ideas. What harm would it do to tell him of recent weeks? There was little chance of escape from this powerfully attractive man riding beside her. Her father could not easily broach Brigantes’ territory to release her-not that he would do so anyway.
She glanced over at the man riding alongside, this time surveying him critically, much to his amusement. Lorcan was a fine warrior, even though he was her captor, and the man who had saved her from life-threatening hazards. Telling him her tale of woe would make little difference to her situation, and she had to make him understand why he was deluded about her worth. She felt the need to be fair about that.
“Are you ready to listen? You want to know why I am worthless in your bargaining scheme. Are you prepared to have your mind changed for you?”
“I do not think I will be changing my mind, Nara, but I will hear what you have to say.”
Professional Reviews
5* Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for - Readers Favorite
"The Beltane Choice" by Nancy Jardine takes us back in time to Celtic Great Britain in 71 AD. Nancy Jardine weaves a fantastic tale of Nara, a princess of a tribe called the Selgovae..
Nancy Jardine combines several elements into one story that grips readers and pulls them under the spell of an ancient time. Stories of love and war are not new topics to cover and yet the way "The Beltane Choice" is written gives a fresh twist to the old favorite. I loved the way Nara and Lorcan's relationship develops in the story. From the moment they meet there is a mutual attraction that cannot be denied. However, you can also feel the complex emotions they both feel because their tribes are enemies. Nara is a strong woman who is very easy to connect with as a character. I appreciate how Nancy Jardine gives her traits that are so tangible and real. Nara is strong, loyal and loving and she has a sense of humor but she is not perfect. Lorcan is an equally prominent character. He is a strong warrior who has a good sense of self and a mind for what needs to be done with the coming war. However, even that strong warrior sense and loyalty to his tribe is tested in the face of love. "The Beltane Choice" is a book that will appeal to a lot of different readers, all who enjoy ancient history, war, pagan ritual and just a good story.
5* A powerfully sensual opening By jlbwye
That is a powerfully sensual opening chapter, and the richness of the prose draws even this reader, unused to this era, into the story.
Who is Nara, and how will Lorcan, her bitter enemy win her over?
The captive inevitably comes under the spell of her enemy, learning to seek his protection, intensely aware of the forbidden passions he awakes in her.
And she discloses her identity, but there is still a mystery, and the Beltane fires are approaching. Who will Nara choose at this ritual?
Impeccable prose, suitably matched to the times of turbulent Roman Britain, marches the story towards a fitting political and personal conclusion - but not without some satisfying twists.
5* A Book to Savour Like Sticky Toffee Pudding By Kate Robbinson
When Lorcan finds her scaling a tree and pursued by a wild boar, he has no idea Nara is the princess of Tarras and eldest daughter of a chieftain with whom he seeks alliance against the invading Romans. He has no idea who she is when he succumbs to her enchantments and tries to seduce her on the forest floor.
Nara fears Lorcan learning her identity for surely he will use the knowledge to his advantage and to her detriment. Yes, keeping him at arm's length is the prudent course of action, but the memory of how those arms feel holding her tight is almost enough for her to abandon all rational thought.
Enemies by birth, when a Roman invasion threatens, Lorcan and Nara must convince both their tribes to rise above years of hatred and band together against a common enemy.
The Beltane Choice sweeps you back to when northern Britain was claimed by Celtic tribes who successfully banded together over time to drive back the unrelenting Roman Army. The love story of Lorcan and Nara is as wild as that untamed land and as sweet as heather mead. Nancy Jardine creates vivid settings and real characters you care about from page one. Loved this book!
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