I've wanted to read this for a while now. The cover is beautiful and it is a unique concept for Christian fiction- finally! While I don't doubt the author was diligent in her research, and probably has a great story to tell, the writing is what made it difficult for me to continue on. I struggled to connect to anything- plot, subplot, character names... I started to wonder if this was self-published and it does appear to be so. I think some more editing would bring this story up to par and make it a fully enjoyable read. ( )

3.5 Stars

Heather Day Gilbert very kindly sent me an advance reader’s copy of her book in exchange for a review- and I was glad to have it. Books set in the Medieval Era are by far my favourite, though the Vikings aren’t my favourite people (as a staunch supported of King Alfred who fought them in England).
God’s Daughter covered some interesting subject matter (and period) that doesn’t seem to receive much attention in Christian Fiction - the Viking settlement of North America circa the year 1000. As a Medievalist I consider it a rich and fascinating era, with many stories that deserve to be told.

Personally I for one had never heard of Gudrid or her story, so it was interesting and original. The setting seems to present to be generally realistic and well researched representation of the Icelandic Vikings, their culture and world.
The historical complaints were few. One was the that the characters’ language sometimes semed rather too modern with terms like ‘smart’ and I’m not sure if Vikings at the turn of the 11th century would have referred to America as ‘The New World’.
Gudrid’s position on slavery and some of her views on other subjects did not seem to be entirely ‘of her time’. That and one of the main male characters walking around in tight leather pants- more like a modern Biker, or extra from an 80s TV dramas than an 11th century Viking.

I sometimes found it a little hard to keep track of all the characters, and sometimes keep up with the story. The book was written in the first person, from Gudrid’s viewpoint, which did seem to go ‘off track’ at times, reminiscing or musing upon some other incident on subject in the middle of a narrative about something else. Then again, most humans seem to do that upon occasion, so perhaps it things more credible.

The Christian aspects were fairly prominent, given that Gudrid was a convert to Christianity, having once been a Pagan Priestess. Her understanding and grasp of some Christian teaching and precepts was somewhat limited, and some of her ideas and actions questionable at times (though she seemed to have the basics right), such as considering it acceptable to take part in some pagan rituals, or just taking for granted that professing Christians who had engaged in sexual immorality could go to heaven.
Perhaps this was unsurprising given the historical context. She did not after all have the access to the Bible in her own language, did not know much Latin, and had little ‘moral support’ in the words of the author. I must practice what I preach and not judge the past by modern standards as well!

Unlike most books in the genre; God’s Daughter is not a romance. Gudrid is already married, though she does struggle with her feelings for other men. On several occasions she would end up ‘bumping into’ one of the two main protagonists who fancied her (which became rather predictable) when she went off on her own, or she would go to meet them on her own for some business or other, which would lead to kissing (or almost kissing).
This was perhaps one of the most infuriating and potentially objectionable aspects of the story.

I’m have serious doubts that such behavior would have been acceptable in that particular society or time period- especially for the wife of a chief. I know the best of us faces temptation, but wasn’t always entirely comfortable with Gudrid’s attitude towards her husband, other men or indeed her behavior which verged to the downright wanton once or twice-though she was never actually unfaithful, and there is resolution at the end.

Overall, God’s Daughter is a good debut, I personally might have like liked a little less kissing, and Vikings who seemed a less- American. People who are ‘into’ the Vikings will probably like it, and I think it would appeal to fans of historical and Medieval fiction more generally, and who are seeking something different from the usual diet of Regencies and stories set in 18-20th century America served up in the Christian Fiction genre.
I would be interested in reading more by this author, and especially the next in the series Forest Child.
( )

If all you know about Vikings are the names Eric the Red and Leif Ericsson, God's Daughter is a great way to learn more and to perhaps break some stereotypes. For example, I didn't know they had any exposure to Christianity. Or that Eric's name is properly spelled Eiric.

Many of the novel's characters are genuine historical figures, and their voyage actually happened around 1000 AD. The setting and events have been meticulously researched to allow Heather Day Gilbert to weave a story that feels true.

The main character, a Viking woman named Gudrid, travels with her sailor-trader husband and his crew in search of Leif Ericsson's Vinland. This man, Finn, is Gudrid's third husband, the first two having died of "the shivering sickness." She knows he loves her, but why can't he be more thoughtful and protective, like his business partner, Snorri?

Together, then separately, they face down mutineers among the crew, attacking natives, and other dangers. Likely none of us have experienced Gudrid and Finn's dangers, but just as likely we've all had trouble with comparisons and expectations. This is a subplot to the main story of the voyage, but for me it makes a connecting point that brings the characters even more alive.

Gudrid is one of the few Christians in the story, and she lives her faith the best she can based on what she's been taught. She longs for her own copy of the Holy Book—and to be able to read—so she could learn more. As the story progresses, she articulates her turmoil this way:

Can I ever be happy where I am, with my own husband? What is wrong with me? And why do I always search for a protector? [Kindle location 3130]

She trusts God, but she's still working toward the understanding that in Him alone can she find the protection and the love she craves.

God's Daughter is a satisfying historical novel with characters I cared about. Details like methods of treating illness and the differences between Europeans' and Vikings' approaches to toilet training (Gudrid and Finn have a young son) flow naturally to help readers imagine the story world. There are no information dumps in this novel, nor any of the other awkward moments that can come with a debut novel.

My favourite line: Gudrid describes Snorri as "rubbing his hand over his bald head in a gesture that always makes me think he misses his hair." [Kindle location 1521]

Heather Day Gilbert has crafted an amazing tale, brimming with adventure, compassion and insight. There's much more to God's Daughter than I can capture in a review, so let me just say I highly recommend this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Forest Child.

You can find Heather Day Gilbert at her website, along with maps, a glossary and other bonus features related to the novel. Take a few minutes to read the opening chapters of God's Daughter (and be prepared to want more).

[Review copy from my personal library.] ( )

A few weeks ago, Heather Day Gilbert approached me about reading/reviewing God’s Daughter. I had already downloaded the ebook on my Kindle, so this gave me a good excuse to dig into an historical novel that covers a time period I had no knowledge about. And at first I found the book slow-going. I had absolutely no frame of reference for the time period or setting (shame on me and my limited history education) and I found the Norse names hard to get used to. But . . . I soon became engrossed in the story of a legendary woman who was a strong Viking woman with healing powers, a definite feminine side and a love for the one true God. If you are looking for that something different historical novel, then check out God’s Daughter.

Casting by Ásmundur Sveinsson of a statue of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son in Laugarbrekka, Iceland
Gudrid’s story begins circa 1000 AD on the coast of eastern modern-day Canada with a group of Vikings looking for Eirik The Red’s Vinland. Gudrid must contend with Norse myths and ruthless gods, lusty and sometimes barbaric Vikings, a wild and untamed environment and threats from the indigenous peoples as well as fellow Icelanders/Greenlanders. The prologue gives the reader a point to begin as Gudrid is faced with the Norse culture that is so different from the grace and sacrifice taught by Christ. Gudrid also has to fight against her own passionate nature as she struggles with staying faithful to her husband and her God.

Heather does a good job of drawing her readers into a story that is so different from what we are used to. This is not a genteel Regency romance! The Vikings were rough people, but with a highly developed moral code based on strength, bravery and oftentimes revenge. The addition of Norse terms adds a level of authenticity to the book. It is also very well researched. When looking for more information about the time period, I found Heather was spot on. She includes her research subjects in an Afterword. Her website also provides some great additional information including a glossary and a family tree. Gritty with a realistic look at early Christianity among the people of Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, God’s Daughter is a recommended read for those wanting to expand their reading horizons.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I downloaded this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

God’s Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert is a must read for historical fiction fans, those interested in Viking lore and culture, or just anyone looking for an emotionally charged and gripping read. It is written from the perspective of a Viking woman named Gudrid sometime around 1000 AD when these fierce warriors were exploring the northern seas. Most of the tale is told from a first person, present perspective, heightening the immediacy and emotional honesty of the story. Gudrid has become a Christian, but as a Viking woman, she still must hold to many of their traditions and is a fearsome warrior in her own right. She travels with her husband – her third even though she is only twenty-two – in search of Vinland, a legendary place of great wealth on the shores of North America. As a Chieftain’s daughter, wife of the expedition’s leader, and the former sister-in-law of Leif Eirikson, she is powerful and respected. She is also favored because of her beauty and must stave off the advances of more than one man since women are scarce, although her own emotional state is often confused and contradictory when it comes to the men in her life. The emotional honesty and grittiness with which she approaches these trials is refreshing. Through hardships, murder, birth pangs, and dangers at sea, we follow Gudrid through the turmoil of life in that time. The book seems historically accurate, rich in the culture and traditions of the era, and packed with emotion charged conflict. This is one of those books I would read again – the highest praise I can think of for a book, and I am definitely going to recommend it to my friends. ( )