A Tale of Two Vikings
Sandra Hill
Leisure, May 2004, $6.99, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0843951583

Except for three foolish months as nine year olds, identical twins Toste and Vagne Ivarsson might as well have been Siamese because they were never apart for the thirty-one years they have lived so far. In 964 in the Land of the Saxons, the brothers are in the midst of a berserker battle, but become separated; each thinks the other died.

Toste soon finds he is amidst the nuns of St. Anne's Abbey where he is immediately attracted to frequent "sinner" Lady Esme, a resident in hiding form her father for over a decade. Knowing it is time to confront dear old dad, Esme has the champion to do so as Toste agrees to help her obtain her rightful inheritance. He prays to Odin that will give him the time to obtain what he wants, Esme.

Gorm Sigurdsson has Vagne tied to a bed in his home. He has mistaken Vagne for Toste, who he expects to wed his daughter Helga. However, to his shock, Helga recognizes that the incarcerated male is Vagne who she wants to sire a child with; an arrangement that he finds lacking because he wants to sire several children with the woman he loves.

A TALE OF TWO VIKINGS is a 1930s screwball romantic comedy set in the tenth century as only the incomparable Sandra Hill could sensationally pull off. The entertaining story line combines action with humor as the twins find love once they are split. Historical romance fans who appreciate an offbeat some what whacky tale will want to read (in one sitting not leisurely) Ms. Hills's fabulous funny frolic.

Harriet Klausner