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God's Daughter (Vikings of the New World Saga #1)

by Heather Day Gilbert (Goodreads Author)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 235 ratings · 93 reviews

One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to the New World.

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a voyage to North America.

But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives ...more

Kindle Edition, 255 pages

Published October 29th 2013 by WoodHaven Press

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Community Reviews

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Jun 15, 2015 Werner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommends it for: Fans of serious historical fiction

Shelves: historical-fiction

Most readers with any knowledge of early American history are aware that Viking sailors, faring south-westward from Greenland, discovered mainland North America (actually, Greenland itself is geographically and culturally-historically considered part of North America, while Iceland is considered the westernmost part of Europe), around the year 1000 A.D. No lasting settlements were made, but archaeologists have excavated the temporary settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in present-day Newfoundland ( Most readers with any knowledge of early American history are aware that Viking sailors, faring south-westward from Greenland, discovered mainland North America (actually, Greenland itself is geographically and culturally-historically considered part of North America, while Iceland is considered the westernmost part of Europe), around the year 1000 A.D. No lasting settlements were made, but archaeologists have excavated the temporary settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in present-day Newfoundland (probably the one referred to in the sagas as Straumsfjord). The Viking settlements in Greenland died out (literally, from starvation as the climate cooled in the "Little Ice Age") and left no written records, so our main contemporary sources for the Viking voyages to "Vinland" are two oral Icelandic sagas, committed to writing about 250 years after the events, which differ in details but basically present a common core of factual information. (The skalds who composed and transmitted the sagas weren't composing fiction; they were recording history for an aliterate society, although they sometimes garbled or misunderstood details.)

Evangelical Christian author Heather Day Gilbert has taken these sagas, coupled with serious research into the Viking history and culture of that era, plausibly reconstructed a unified picture of the events they present, and brought it to life in a masterful historical novel, the first in a projected series. Faithful to known facts, she uses her imagination to flesh them out, and to reconstruct believable personalities for the major and minor players in the events. (I've read modern re-tellings of the sagas, though not the sagas themselves, and could recognize persons and events here.) The focus here is the third Viking voyage to the new lands and its aftermath, and our present-tense, first-person narrator is Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir, wife of expedition leader Thorfinn Karlsefni. Our setting is both the New World and Greenland (with a grim prologue set in Gudrid's native Iceland, where we share a formative experience she had to undergo at the age of 11).

As the sagas make clear, the voyages to Vinland were dangerous. This book gives us our share of dangerous situations, and the threat of danger is a constant reality. This can come not only from Indians --or Skraelings, as the Vikings call them-- but from potential rape and mutiny by elements within the Viking band, from the sea, and from wild and (imperfectly) domesticated animals. Hunger and disease pose their threats too, in a culture without antibiotics or antiseptics. (Gudrid's 24 years old at the time of the main story --and she's already been widowed twice, a circumstance not particularly unusual in her time and place.) But this is in the main a novel about human and family relationships, about personal growth, and about living one's Christian faith in a flawed world. (As a teen, Gudrid was trained to be a volva, a pagan priestess; but she's a Christian now, albeit one who can't read the Bible and has scant training in the faith, in a society where Christianity is spreading rapidly but still far from universal or deep-rooted.)

Gudrid is brought to life with wonderful vividness; I would have to describe this novel as one of the most psychologically realistic and nuanced that I've ever read! (Despite the impression the cover might create, she's not a swordswoman and isn't thrust into an action-heroine role here --but she IS a Viking; she's got inner strength and resolve in spades, as well as leadership abilities, and she doesn't back down from physically challenging situations, either.) Other characters are well developed, too. Gilbert's handling of her main character's internal life compares favorably with Henry James at his best, though her prose is much more readable and her focus better balanced between the inner and outer life. (Her writing also reminds me in some ways of another historical novelist I greatly like, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset.) She makes us feel the tense, claustrophobic, half-hungry atmosphere of Straumsfjord, and the pathos of what we know to be the doomed enclaves on Greenland. While she denies in her concluding Author's Note that she's an expert on Viking history, her research is clearly solid (I could recognize facts I already knew, as well as learning some I didn't). The Viking world is recreated here with its dark side not glossed over; we see the use of human sacrifice at times, the ugliness of slavery, attitudes of rabid sexism and racial/ethnic prejudice, acceptance of infanticide as a parental prerogative. (And we see all these things with recognition; allowing for outward cosmetic differences, general attitudes in our own post-Christian culture aren't much different from those of the pre-Christian or imperfectly-Christianized Vikings. :-( ). For me, this was a quick and thoroughly engrossing read, enhanced by my natural interest in my own Scandinavian heritage. (But I think readers of other ethnicities would find this just as absorbing.)

For readers whose interest in further reading about the Vikings is piqued by this novel, the list of helpful books and online sources in the Author's Note is a nice touch!

This book was already on my to-read list when I won a copy in a recent giveaway. I'll definitely be following the series as it develops, and I'm also going to be interested in exploring the author's contemporary mystery series. ...more

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Jul 30, 2015 Joanne Bischof rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. Heather Day Gilbert has a compelling voice and weaves a story that had me sitting back and thinking… “What a brave author.” She dives deep and thick into the human spirit, exposing both weakness and sin while also bringing hope as these characters craved an understanding of the Lord. I rejoiced over their triumphs and grieved in their heartaches and loss. This novel is powerful, poetic and at times, gritty. It’s a look at humanity—in all its forms—and celebrates wha ...more

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Oct 13, 2014 Gwendolyn Gage rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-ebooks-i-own

What’s a girl to do when she’s married to a good man, but has feelings for another? Enter the world of the Vikings, and meet Gudrid. A beautiful woman related by marriage to Eirik the Red, she was a real person, and a Viking Christian. History books tell us Virginia Dare was the first child born in the New World, and maybe she was the first English child, but Gudrid’s son, Snorri, came before her.

I slipped into Gudrid’s skin as I read, such was the author’s skill with deep POV and first person, ...more

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Oct 02, 2015 Heather Gilbert rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

I wish they had a "wrote" shelf! Ha. Of course I need to say I read my own book, and of course I would want to give it five stars. I hope Viking culture comes alive as people read about Gudrid's life.

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Feb 21, 2014 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, christian-fiction, kindle-read, indie, 2014, favorites-2014

Gudrid is a Viking woman, and she's the real deal. She doesn't back down from conflict, and she's not afraid to wield a weapon to protect herself of those that she loves from harm. Even so, her hand in marriage is more of a commodity than something to be won, and she must give in to the whims of the powerful men in her life. Despite the marriage to her husband, Finn, a good man, she is still unsettled, torn by her feelings for Leif Eiriksson (yes, THE Leif) that she left behind to travel with Fi ...more

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Jan 06, 2015 Jocelyn Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

Heather Day Gilbert just became one of my favorite authors. God's Daughter is everything I'm looking for in a novel: fascinating history, vivid setting, complex characters who evolve and grow as the pages turn, skillful storytelling, realistic dialogue, and relevance for today. In fact, I was surprised at how this Viking tale brimmed with lessons for today's readers. I absolutely loved the heroine and found her faith in Jesus so inspiring as she lived in a pagan culture which worshiped Thor. I d ...more

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May 21, 2014 Iola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, kindle, 2014, 2014-new-author

It is 1000 AD, and Gudrid is one of the few women on a Viking expedition to upper North America, to rediscover Vineland and bring great wealth back to Leif Eiriksson, their chieftain. She is the wife of Thorfinn Karlsefni, the expedition leader, mother to Snorri, the unofficial leader of the small band of women on the expedition—and the unwilling object of the affections of several of the men. Gudrid stopped worshipping Thor when she was a child and the capricious god demanded her mother as a sa It is 1000 AD, and Gudrid is one of the few women on a Viking expedition to upper North America, to rediscover Vineland and bring great wealth back to Leif Eiriksson, their chieftain. She is the wife of Thorfinn Karlsefni, the expedition leader, mother to Snorri, the unofficial leader of the small band of women on the expedition—and the unwilling object of the affections of several of the men. Gudrid stopped worshipping Thor when she was a child and the capricious god demanded her mother as a sacrifice to guarantee a good harvest. As an adult in Iceland, she learned of the one true God from the monks, and she now follows Him.

God’s Daughter is a character-driven family saga, told entirely in first person from Gudrid’s point of view, and in the present tense—an interesting choice for a story set 1,000 years in the past, but one that’s strangely effective. Her voice is understated, deliberately downplaying the everyday struggles for survival in Viking society, a culture that still worships Thor and where life includes many pagan rituals.

It is obvious that a huge amount of research has gone into God’s Daughter, and while that research comes out in the depth of the narrative around the people, culture and lifestyle, it’s never overbearing and it never gets in the way of the story (although the names were a little difficult at times, because they were so unfamiliar).

The distance of time makes it impossible for us to really know what life was like in the Viking camp of Straumsfjord or the village of Brattahlid in Greenland, but the majesty and the savagery both come alive in the excellent writing. I came away feeling I had a real understanding of Viking life (certainly more than enough to be thankful I live now!).

God's Daughter is recommended for readers who enjoy well-researched historical fiction set in less well-known times and places, from author such as Iris Anthony (aka Siri Mitchell) or Sharon Penman.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review. ...more

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Dec 03, 2013 Michelle Griep rated it 5 of 5 stars

A lot of people love history, but not many are patient enough to slog through a thousand-year-old Icelandic saga. Guess what…you don’t have to anymore! Author Heather Day Gilbert did the homework for you and wrote a hard-hitting action-packed adventure in her debut novel, GOD’S DAUGHTER.

I admit I am somewhat of a Viking history snob, but this girl did her work. There’s not one horned helmet or sight of a shield on the side of a ship amid high sea. This is the kind of accurate historical read tha ...more

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Jun 24, 2015 Ron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, maps, ebook

Good historical fiction-romance. Excellent first novel. Authors of historical fiction, especially of obscure eras, such as the Viking settlement of Greenland and North America, have a choice: stick close to whatever source is available or invent. Gilbert chose to follow the Icelandic sagas. The result is a rich, engaging story.

Gilbert also chose to intersperse modern phraseology with traditional terms and practices. The result is less satisfying. For example, “medicinal practices” knocked me rig Good historical fiction-romance. Excellent first novel. Authors of historical fiction, especially of obscure eras, such as the Viking settlement of Greenland and North America, have a choice: stick close to whatever source is available or invent. Gilbert chose to follow the Icelandic sagas. The result is a rich, engaging story.

Gilbert also chose to intersperse modern phraseology with traditional terms and practices. The result is less satisfying. For example, “medicinal practices” knocked me right out of the story. (I’ve lectured about verisimilitude often enough that you don’t need another dose.) “Medicinal” is jarringly modern. “Healing” or “cures” would have been a better word. Likewise, “curvy” to describe a female’s body sounds modern. Full-bodied or even plump would convey the idea better.

I don’t know enough about Viking lore or herbal medicine to critique the specifics, but some practices seem anachronistic. I do know that making butter and making cheese are significantly different practices. The need to a catalyst (rennet) and extended time render cheese making “on the fly” in North America seem unlikely--unless they were making something like cottage cheese.

The deep first person point of view (often, though not always present tense) creates the illusion of riding inside Gudrid’s head. The risk with that approach, as happened often here, is that there is too much telling of what Gudrid thinks to the detriment of showing. The result is often stilted, as Gudrid describes feelings she should be feeling. Gilbert has been compared favorably to Henry James in this approach. Maybe, but I don’t like his protagonist’s navel gazing either.

Those are all quibbles. It’s a really good story and a noteworthy first novel. I hope to read more.

Gilbert handled Gudrid’s nascent Christian faith especially well. At that time and place, Bibles would not be readily available and women seldom could read. So Gudrid was dependent on what she’d learned from priests in Iceland. The conflict between old religion and new is handled well, too. Gudrid’s inner struggles with attractions to men, doubts, leadership issues and her place in the community all ring true.

Good job.

(Full disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Done.)

...more

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Mar 02, 2014 Karin Kaufman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was completely blown away by God’s Daughter. If you like historical fiction, this will become a favorite of yours. If you’re a little reluctant to read historical fiction, as I was before picking up Gilbert’s novel, don’t be. Grab this book.

Set in circa A.D. 1000, the story begins in Iceland with a cruel sacrifice to a Norse god, then moves quickly to Straumsfjord in northern North America, where Vikings have built a temporary settlement before traveling in search of Leif Eiriksson’s Vinland, ...more

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Feb 23, 2014 Hayden rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction

I’ve been really wanting to find a novel about the Vikings for some time now; unfortunately, they’re quite hard to find! I’ve actually been thinking of writing one myself, and so when I found God’s Daughter through Goodreads, I immediately knew I had to put it on my to-read list.

(And this may seem a bit self-serving, but I was really glad that, though God’s Daughter was about the Vikings, this storyline was nothing like the story idea that’s been rolling around my head.)

I did have mixed feelings ...more

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Oct 06, 2013 Sandi Layne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical-fiction, christian-fiction

My thanks to Heather Day Gilbert for letting me read an ARC of this, her debut novel. As someone who has studied the Northmen of Nordweg, I appreciated seeing a different set of the vikingr in her book.

God's Daughter is a story of Gudrid, a strong Christian woman in a time when Christianity was just making itself felt as a significant influence against the Northern Way. The present tense, first person narrative leaves us with just Gudrid's perspective to go on as we experience hardship, life, we My thanks to Heather Day Gilbert for letting me read an ARC of this, her debut novel. As someone who has studied the Northmen of Nordweg, I appreciated seeing a different set of the vikingr in her book.

God's Daughter is a story of Gudrid, a strong Christian woman in a time when Christianity was just making itself felt as a significant influence against the Northern Way. The present tense, first person narrative leaves us with just Gudrid's perspective to go on as we experience hardship, life, weakness, and death and that was - for me, anyway - not my favorite experience. Still, Gudrid's heart is laid bare to the reader and that is important.

She is a Christian, but she is thankfully not perfect. She has flaws of what would likely be considered a serious, moral nature. There are "too many men" in her life, and this remains a constant theme throughout the book. Additionally, she is dishonest with her husband in matters dealing with his business and trade goods. Her early life experiences have left her with weaknesses that could have landed her in a lot of trouble.

But, she is more than just her weaknesses. Seeing Gudrid come to a better appreciation for and commitment to her husband was a relief. He is a worthy man, and he deserves a wife who isn't obsessing over other men. Her gradual growth in this area was well-written. She is a healer, with a certain affinity for animals. Her ties to powerful people assure her stature and rank, and she knows well how to do what is right for others.

This is a work of Christian fiction, with the aspects of faith displayed but not in a heavy manner. Gudrid acknowledges her lack of knowledge in this area, but her faith in God is clear throughout. She shares her faith from her position of strength without making it a "deal breaker" in any of the interpersonal relationships she has with the others in the trading group. It's very honest and real to read through her mind.

Recommended for those who want to reconnect with people they've read about in the Sagas of these Northern people, for those who are interested in possible interpersonal dynamics that shaped greater events in the Viking progression and settlement, and for fans of Christian historical fiction who enjoy seeing their faith enacted in the lives of others.
...more

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Jan 05, 2014 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My Comments
Some of my blogging friends have been reading this book so I noticed it recently and fell head over heels in love with both the cover and title, I immediately put it on my TBR (to be read/gotta have) list! Then I got the chance to review it and it felt like a Christmas present had dropped into my lap, grateful doesn’t begin to explain how that felt.

Welcome to Gudrid’s world, a Viking woman with heart and skills beyond the women of her culture. The book starts off describing a pagan s My Comments
Some of my blogging friends have been reading this book so I noticed it recently and fell head over heels in love with both the cover and title, I immediately put it on my TBR (to be read/gotta have) list! Then I got the chance to review it and it felt like a Christmas present had dropped into my lap, grateful doesn’t begin to explain how that felt.

Welcome to Gudrid’s world, a Viking woman with heart and skills beyond the women of her culture. The book starts off describing a pagan sacrifice that breaks Gudrid’s heart, but also begins her journey of faith in Christ. If the god Thor requires such sacrifices, then Gudrid wants no part in obeying him.

Even though I sooooo enjoyed the story, the writing really gets your attention from the start, I didn’t connect with Gudrid at first. There’s just this sadness that stays with her even though she has done well for herself. There’s only one character who is surprised by how many times Gudrid has been married, no one else finds this alarming so even though I agreed with that one comment I figured this was a common occurrence for this time period. “You’ve been married how many times?” From his intense look, I know he’s not being disrespectful with his question.”

My favorite character in this story is the unnamed female wolf. It’s amazing how Gudrid finds her and rescues her. Even though wolves are predators, this one was easy to love as it protected Gudrid, her animals, and even her people.

One of my favorite parts of the story is when Gudrid adopts two boys who come from enemy lines. I was in amazement over that and this enhances the storyline tremendously!

My favorite thing about Gudrid is her faith. She puts herself and her desires last to care for and lead her people and her son. This book is FULL of people making sacrifices and risking their lives for their clan, but Gudrid’s heart and discernment takes that to a new level. She understands so much from observing, it takes a lot for her to trust others but when you have her loyalty you have it for life, and she’s all about keeping the peace but when her son’s life is in danger she’s willing to kill to protect him. In the midst of all she’s undertaking, she still follows Christ with all her heart and even tells her people about Him without preaching. Her greatest desire is to be an example of God to her people when so many pagan gods are respected.

I felt confused about who Leif was for the first part of the book, but that was my misunderstanding and not any fault with the writing. I believed he had been one of her husbands that died and he’s Gudrid’s brother-in-law who is married to another woman. Gudrid isn’t liked by most of the women from her home in Greenland, but she easily befriends her female slaves and does what she can to protect them from unwanted attention.

There is much violence in the story, but it’s realistic to the time period. Gudrid is willing to kill only when necessary. Her people carry knives, spears, swords, and axes to protect themselves against enemy invaders. Gudrid is unhappy and uncomfortable for most of the story until they leave the island. The character I liked least was her sister-in-law, Freydis. At first I was really intrigued by this character and her off color warrior, tree climbing ways, but Freydis does too many foolish things and is reckless for my taste. She gets into enough trouble and creates enough conflict for the story to go forward, but she’s not someone I felt attached to or had respect for. However, her craziness only illustrates Gudrid’s strength further as she fights to help her sister. Freydis is a die hard loyal person to her family, but I also considered her a danger to herself and those around her.

In an age when women had so few choices, survival was more important than comfort, and being a pagan believer was more common than faith in Christ, it’s absolutely amazing watching Gudrid cope with doing what’s right over what’s desired. Marriage is more about business and survival than emotions, housekeeping skills with the women are vital among clans, and staying healthy in a constantly changing climate is crucial. Gudrid doesn’t have vitamins to work with, but she knows her way around herbs and her faith has taught her that prayer and speaking words of life will help more than carrying a sword even though she does that too. Being a Viking woman with faith in Christ is an unconventional way to live, but Gudrid makes it work despite the sadness she endures.

I thought this book would be the Braveheart version for women (not so much), but there is plenty of action and I truly enjoyed seeing the Viking world through Gudrid’s eyes despite all the hardships she goes through. There was one relationship I wanted to understand better and that was Gudrid’s marriage to Finn. There are many misunderstandings between them, but everything does get resolved and I was overjoyed that they grow closer to one another. Gilbert’s debut book is a definite treat and I’m so grateful for the chance to review it! I couldn’t wait to see how the story progressed and went through this one FAST! The book takes an honest look at life in the 10th century and brings the reader hope and action in authentic ways. I’m grateful for characters like Gudrid (all she is able to overcome) and for writers like Gilbert who bring these stories to life.

I want to thank the author for the review copy provided, truly thanks!! I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
...more

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May 25, 2014 anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction, europe, america, vikings

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 10 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.
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May 12, 2014 Cheryl Ellis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This genre of book was new for me. Heather Day Gilbert did such a great job researching and writing this book. This is a Viking story and we meet all different types of characters in this story.
One main character is Gudrid, who has lost her mother in a tragic way, her dad rejects her, so she is taken in and becomes a Christian. In her 3rd marriage (widowed twice)she goes with her husband, Finn on a voyage to North America. When they arrive, Gudrid learns a lot about herself and those around her ...more

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Jul 13, 2015 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for history, and while admittedly I haven't given a lot of thought to this time period in the past, God's Daughter succeeded in bringing the Vikings to life in my mind. Not only did I enjoy reading about them as I might in a well-written example of historic fiction, but the author was able to use first-person POV so expertly that I felt I was actually there alongside Gudrid and listening to her thoughts. What struck me most about the novel was the way the character seemed like she c ...more

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Jan 18, 2015 Peter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great history and writing. Had me sweating, though, as a husband. Wondered how many muscular, long-haired men have declared their love to my wife since we've been married.

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Feb 04, 2014 T.C. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put the book down. Days after I finished reading I kept thinking about the characters.

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Oct 13, 2014 Jenny Q marked it as to-read

Shelves: ebook, bargain-or-freebie, saw-it-on-twitter

Free today for Kindle. Recommended by the Historical Novel Society.

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Nov 06, 2014 Kate (Too Read or Not Too Read) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews, historical-fiction, 2014

4.5

I just have to start off by saying, I love vikings! I have since the time I studied them in high school. Their way of living was very progressive for their time...yes, a bit bloody, but it's one time in history that I love to see more of. I'm a bit hooked on History Channel's Vikings.

However, when it comes to reading, there hasn't been much I've spotted from this time for settings in novels. Then one fabulous day last year, this gorgeous cover caught my eye and I was sold. Heather graciously ...more

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Sep 08, 2014 Janet Sketchley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, favourites

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 t ...more

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Oct 18, 2013 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read a lot of books across a lot of time periods, but I think I can safely say that reading this book was a first for me.

God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert is a story about Vikings. Not only that but about a Viking woman who's a Christian. If there are two words I wouldn't think to put together it's "viking" and "Christian." Because let's face it, my knowledge of Vikings is purely stereotypical. (I'm thinking of those Capital One credit card commercials, and of course, the football team I've read a lot of books across a lot of time periods, but I think I can safely say that reading this book was a first for me.

God's Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert is a story about Vikings. Not only that but about a Viking woman who's a Christian. If there are two words I wouldn't think to put together it's "viking" and "Christian." Because let's face it, my knowledge of Vikings is purely stereotypical. (I'm thinking of those Capital One credit card commercials, and of course, the football team that is a mortal enemy of my beloved Chicago Bears. But I digress.)

It didn't matter to me what else the story was about. That the main character was a Christian Viking woman was intriguing enough for me to want to read it. (Disclaimer: I received an electronic advance reader copy of God's Daughter from the author in exchange for my review.)

And oh, was I glad I did. (And is that not the most gorgeous cover? Wow.)

Written in a beautiful, believable first-person point of view, God's Daughter is the story of Gudrid, a Viking woman on a voyage to the New World with her husband, Finn, and a crew of Viking men (and a few women). She's a leader in her own right, a daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America. She's passionate and also tortured by her own feelings for other men in her life.

I couldn't look away. I felt like I knew Gudrid and got a real sense of her struggles and vulnerabilities. She was a Viking who lived centuries ago, but her struggles aren't all that different from women today. We want to take care of the people we love. We want to support our husbands. We want to use our gifts and callings for the good of the community. So relatable.

My only complaint is that I felt it ended a little abruptly. BUT, it's the first in a series, so there's hope for more great Viking adventures. (And endings are hard. As a writer, I know this. It was not enough to spoil the book.)

After reading this, I'm so upset that I know next to nothing about the Vikings and this time period. Such a fascinating era of history. (And FYI, Heather self-published this book because apparently Vikings don't sell. Such a shame. Because this story is unique and well-written. I, for one, crave a story unlike others I've read.)

...more

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Dec 27, 2014 Bethany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-books, read-in-2014

4.5 stars.

Journey back in time to the tenth century, Greenland. Where pagan culture rules the land, and Christianity is still new; where Vikings thrive off the land and journey the seas in hopes of wealth and new land. Meet Christian Viking Gudrid, who decides to turn from pagan practices, embrace Christianity and live righteously when few else did. Filled with lots of Viking action, adventure, excitement and strong Christian values, this new novel from author Heather Day Gilbert is sure to edu 4.5 stars.

Journey back in time to the tenth century, Greenland. Where pagan culture rules the land, and Christianity is still new; where Vikings thrive off the land and journey the seas in hopes of wealth and new land. Meet Christian Viking Gudrid, who decides to turn from pagan practices, embrace Christianity and live righteously when few else did. Filled with lots of Viking action, adventure, excitement and strong Christian values, this new novel from author Heather Day Gilbert is sure to educate and inspire!

When Heather Day Gilbert recently contacted me with the opportunity to review her new novel, God's Daughter, I eagerly said yes! I love historical fiction set during historic time periods since I love learning about the past. I was especially excited about reading this book set in the 10th century during the time of the Vikings, since novels about Vikings during this time period are often few and far between. I found the prospect of a Viking novel combined with a strong Christian world view to be a book that seemed to have great potential - and it certainly did as it turned out to be a very educating and exciting read that I was glad to not have missed out on!

I was very impressed with this novel. When starting it, I wasn't sure how I'd like it, thought I knew I'd love the historical aspects of learning more about Vikings. After finishing this book I can tell you that I was very impressed and found the book to be filled with historically accurate details that not only helped expand my knowledge of Vikings, but also left me eager for more of this author's novels! Throughout the story it is obvious how important research is to this author. I really admired this aspect of the book since all the details were researched for accuracy, and it really helped me expand my knowledge of Vikings and stirred an interest to continue learning about these self-sufficient people who lived off the land.

One aspect of this book that I also enjoyed was how well the book flowed and how easy it was to continue turning pages! I always enjoy a thrilling read that keeps you reading, and this book was no exception. I never felt like there were any dry spots where things slowed down, and I could tell by the way the story line flowed that it was very well thought out and executed, to give a seamless reading experience. This coupled with all the historical details really made for an enjoyable read!

The characters in God's Daughter were well developed, and I enjoyed getting to know Gudrid and the other Viking wives and mothers. Reading about how different things were for them in their day without electricity or modern conveineces really sparked an admiration and respect for these strong women of our past who played a big part in history. Knowing that these characters were real women who faced these situations helped me connect with the characters, and really opened my eyes to what life was like for these women who were dedicated Vikings. I really admired Gudrid's character and enjoyed seeing her spiritual journey, especially considering how Christianity wasn't the norm for Vikings who were immersed in pagan culture and customs. I loved getting to see the Viking aspect from a Christian perspective, and think this novel is a unique one-of-a-kind!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or to fans of Lois Walfrid Johnson's Viking Quest Series which is similar to this book in the fact that is about Vikings. While this book is more on the older audience side compared to the young adult Viking Quest Series, I felt like the novel was very clean. The only content I found to be mature were a couple scenes that took place during custom pagan practices. For example the story starts off with a human sacrifice to Thor where a person was hung, and there were one or two scenes where funerals were held, in which the deceased bodies were burned versus buried. There were also two birth scenes, as well as a few scenes where Gudrid battled feeling content with her marriage, and was tempted to feel for other men instead of her husband alone, however she never does give in and is completely pure in her decisions. I can confidently say that all of these scenes were described with caution and discretion, and were not at all gory or overly detailed, which I greatly admired and found to add to the story with the truthful details without going into great detail.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! It definitely didn't disappoint me, in fact I was surprised with how much I enjoyed it, and I can't wait to read the next book in the Vikings of the New World series!

D I S C L A I M E R :: I was contacted by the author with the opportunity to review God's Daughter. I received a free softcover copy of God's Daughter for the purposes of this review, and was not paid in any way for helping with the publicity for this novel. All thoughts expressed in my review were completely my own, honest and unbiased. ...more

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Oct 20, 2015 Holly Booms Walsh rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, christian, historical-fiction, review_copy, audible

This was a well-researched, deftly written fictionalized account of a Viking woman's trip to North America. It was interesting in several ways: the main character is a woman in a Viking setting, she is an actual historical figure - a ward of Lief Ericsson, and she is a Christian, having been raised under the Norse religion and converted as an adult. While the book seems at times heavy handed with a pointedly pro-femininst and a pro-Christian perspective that seemed somewhat incongrous to the Vik ...more

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Oct 11, 2013 Ruth Samsel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading God’s Daughter. This was my first Viking novel and I was pleasantly surprised that I easily embraced the history and period details. Each character that Heather crafted was unique and had endearing charm. I found myself rejoicing when there was victory and grieving when there was loss. I love present tense, first person so Gudrid’s heart struggles were front and center. She is a believer, but human and desperately flawed as we all are. She is married but struggles wi ...more

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Oct 24, 2013 Lisa Godfrees rated it 4 of 5 stars

What's not to like? It's a book about VIKINGS!!! There just isn't enough good Christian Viking fiction in the world. Truly.

What did I like best about this book? It's an unconventional love story. A story that contains unrequited love, one-sided love, love denied, and the best kind--love discovered. And it's all set in history with names and places you might recognize if you paid attention as a kid in American history.

It's also well researched with likable characters and a plot line that will kee ...more

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Aug 30, 2014 Elissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction-read, 2014-reads

I love well written historical fiction reads and this one doesn't disappoint! I enjoyed Gudrid's character but I won't deny at times I wanted to shake her. I can't wait to see what will happen next in this series!

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Mar 28, 2015 Shelli Littleton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Heather, beautiful. Oh my gracious, I couldn't put this book down. When the last page came, chill bumps came over me and tears flooded my eyes. The intensity built until the end ...

I'm so very proud of you.

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Mar 17, 2015 Kellie Shulruff rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hope she does a sequel book. Would like to know what happens to some of them*S*

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Feb 02, 2014 Debra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2014

This is a beautiful piece of historical fiction. An accurate look into the Viking world through the eyes of a woman, with a love story woven throughout.
I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous.

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About Heather Day Gilbert

HEATHER DAY GILBERT writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in whic ...more

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Other Books in the Series

Vikings of the New World Saga (2 books)

Books by Heather Day Gilbert

Miranda Warning (A Murder in the Mountains, #1)

Trial by Twelve (A Murder in the Mountains, #2)

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Forest Child (Vikings of the New World Saga, #2)

Guilt by Association (A Murder in the Mountains, #3)

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“I wish I could fly like that hawk, rising and falling with the still spaces in the air, far above all this sickness and death and evil.” — 10 likes

“I'm not surprised he wants to challenge me here, where no one can protect me. He thinks I'm a weak woman. He thinks wrong.” — 9 likes

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