UNDERCURRENT by Michelle Griep

Professor Cassie Larson is on a trip with her students when she purchases an very unusual brooch. Then while out on a boat excursion the brooch falls into the North Sea. While trying to retrieve it Cassie falls in after it. Alarik is a viking who is accused of a murder he didn't commit? Or maybe he did! If he could only remember. While on the run he finds a woman floating in the water. He retrieves her and takes care of her. Ragnar (Alarik's cousin) is a believer in God and has turned from his peoples pagan beliefs. Because of that he has been shunned by many. But he is determined to prove his cousin is innocent of murder. Cassie stirs Ragnar's emotions with her beauty and her unusual words. He knows that someone like Cassie would never be interested in him. Or could she? But evil lurks right around the corner. How will all come out???

WOW! What an adventure! I was enthralled from beginning to end. It was a great balance of action, suspense, romance and realism. I loved all the nuggets of truth and word pictures that were tucked between the pages. I wish I could give some examples but it would present spoilers so I will say read the story and find them. There were several heart stopping moments and a few BIG gasps but along with those were splashes of humor where I found myself laughing out loud. The author painted a very real picture of the harshness of life in that century. You almost can't imagine living in it. I really liked Alarik. He was a good man. I loved the dialog between him and Cassie. Ragnar was an awesome hero. The way he lived out his faith was inspiring. Cassie was the perfect leading lady. Her stubborn ways sometimes found her in trouble but she displayed an inner strength and a soft heart that were admirable. I have never been a big fan of time-travel stories but Michelle Griep stories are a MUST READ! This was one of those stories that stays with you long after you close the book. I highly recommend this tale. Well done Michelle! A thank you goes to the author for providing me with the complimentary copy for my review.