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Nancy Jardine
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The Beltane Choice: An Action-Packed Adventure in Roman Britain (Celtic Fervour Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Nancy Jardine (Author), Ocelot Press (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 131 ratings

“I'm breathless at the pace, originality and wealth of detail - and in awe at the amount of research the author has undertaken. A fast-moving story full of energy and excitement.”

An impossible quest. A heartless bargain. A ruthless occupation.

AD 71 Is anything fair in war...and love?
Nara finds herself cast out from her priestess home and now must face a totally different lifestyle. For her future to be successful, she seeks a very special warrior. The Rites of the Beltane Festival are fast approaching but when a calamity happens, her hunt seems impossible.

Lorcan – a Brigante enemy – captures Nara. He plans to use her as bargain with her Selgovae tribe when unity of the northern tribes is needed to face the invading legions of Rome. Nara’s father agrees to the arrangement but sets absurd conditions. When battle at Whorl against the Romans looms…
Will Nara have her Beltane choice?

The adventures of the Garrigill Clan begin…


“…combines a very human and personal story with a very believable vision of Late Iron Age society in Northern Britain.”

Admirers of the tales of Rosemary Sutcliffe, Susan King and Michelle Willingham will love The Beltane Choice. Engross yourself in a less well-known historical era, and experience the adventures of other Garrigill warriors in the Celtic Fervour Series.

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Celtic Fervour Series
  2. Print length
    259 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 19, 2018
  5. File size
    3.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 6 books in this series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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.

From the Author

In my Celtic Fervour Series, I particularly focus on the plight of the Celtic tribes of northern Britannia of the first century AD whose lives are devastated by the invading Ancient Roman Armies. The choices are limited - fight to the death as individual tribes or gather strength as unified neighbours. Normally at war with each other, the Celtic Clans of the north must make bargains with each other before that can happen...but it's all in the details!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07CJG4SXX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ocelot Press; 2nd edition (April 19, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 19, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 259 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 131 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Nancy Jardine

    Nancy Jardine

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Writer, compulsive researcher, public speaker, history obsessive, avid reader. Binge-watcher of Historical T.V. Series.

    Memberships: Historical Novel Society, Romantic Novelists' Association, Scottish Association of Writers, ALLI, Federation of Writers (Scotland)

    UK Writing Awards placements: The People’s Book Prize; Scottish Association of Writers B. Hammond Prize; Discovering Diamonds Reviews; Chill With a Book Reviews; B.R.A.G Medallion;

    Gives local author presentations on her novels/ Roman Scotland

    Contacts: http://nancyjardineauthor.com ; http://nancyjardine.blogspot.com ; http://on.fb.me/1hLgWT7

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5139590.Nancy_Jardine ; @nansjar

    TOPAZ EYES "This is a stunning read, which absorbed my attention from the beginning." Author Jane Bwye

    #1 THE BELTANE CHOICE " is one of the most convincing evocations of Celtic Britain that I have ever come across, and the central romance stands out against that background with great passion and immediacy." Simon Stirling, The Review Group.

    THE TAEXALI GAME "This combination of fantasy and history, linked by an interactive computer game, is sure to appeal to a wide audience....the writer skilfully creates a most believable world." Adjudicator for The Scottish Association of Writers 'Best Self Published Book' competition.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Ocelot Press

    Ocelot Press

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Ocelot Press is an independent cooperation of bestselling and award-winning authors writing mainly historical fiction, women's fiction and mystery. Our books take our readers across time and into faraway places.

    Find out more about us on our website at www.ocelot-press.com.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
131 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's historical setting, with one review highlighting its presentation of early Celtic Britain. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer comparing it to sticky toffee pudding. Customers appreciate the well-defined characters and thorough research, with one noting that the research is never too heavy or intrusive. Additionally, the visual content receives praise, with one customer describing how it provides a wonderful look into life inside a hill fort.

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8 customers mention "Historical setting"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical setting of the book, with its engaging plot that draws readers in, and one customer particularly noting how it presents the story of early Celtic Britain.

"I enjoyed the historical setting of this story and the research that went into portraying the history and cultures of the first century A D in..." Read more

"...As this is an historical romance, when the two main characters meet up, the sparks fly, as you’d expect from strong personalities...." Read more

"...This is the reverse, a love story in the times of war. Constant warfare in the case of tribal disharmony, and the threat of the Romans...." Read more

"...Essentially, this is a love story that plays out against a historical background that comes across as well-researched...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book pleasant to read, with one comparing it to sticky toffee pudding and another describing it as sweet as heather mead.

"...Great plot. A good read." Read more

"...The book is a pleasure to read, for Nancy Jardine is in full control of her characters throughout...." Read more

"...of Lorcan and Nara is as wild as that untamed land and as sweet as heather mead...." Read more

"...I thoroughly enjoyed The Beltane Choice!" Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-defined characters in the book, with one mentioning that Nara and Lorcan are likeable, and another noting the author's full control throughout.

"...I enjoyed the characters, and the emotional responses to their situations. Great plot. A good read." Read more

"...book is a pleasure to read, for Nancy Jardine is in full control of her characters throughout...." Read more

"...Nancy Jardine creates vivid settings and real characters you care about from page one. Loved this book!" Read more

"...a wonderful look into the life inside a hill fort, with well defined characters - some sympathetic and some not so much...." Read more

3 customers mention "Research quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the thorough research in the book, with one noting that it is never too heavy or intrusive.

"...The research is never too heavy or intrusive; just right: The sun, now breaking through the clouds, made the recent downpour sparkle on the verdant..." Read more

"...plays out against a historical background that comes across as well-researched...." Read more

"This is a well researched and presented story of early Celtic Britain. The plot will draw you in and ignite your imagination." Read more

3 customers mention "Visual content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual content of the book, with one review noting how it provides a wonderful look into the life inside a hill fort, while another mentions how it creates vivid settings.

"...Her descriptions are visual and sensual, leaving just enough to the imagination...." Read more

"...Nancy Jardine creates vivid settings and real characters you care about from page one. Loved this book!" Read more

"...The author has created a wonderful look into the life inside a hill fort, with well defined characters - some sympathetic and some not so much...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Big Red
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the Historical Setting
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the historical setting of this story and the research that went into portraying the history and cultures of the first century A D in Britain's history. I enjoyed the characters, and the emotional responses to their situations. Great plot. A good read.
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  • Nik Morton
    4.0 out of 5 stars I for one was captivated by Nara
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The story is told from the point of view of Nara, eldest child of Callan, Chief of Tarras, a warrior princess of the Selgovae, and Lorcan, an enemy Brigante prince.

    As this is an historical romance, when the two main characters meet up, the sparks fly, as you’d expect from strong personalities. The book is a pleasure to read, for Nancy Jardine is in full control of her characters throughout. Her descriptions are visual and sensual, leaving just enough to the imagination. For example: Their heated kiss outside had stirred his blood, his want of her remaining strained against his braccae…

    When the time of the Beltane rites arrived, Nara needed to have chosen a lover, which posed a problem, since none of the men in her village appealed to her. Still, that decision seemed to have been snatched away from her when she became a captive of …, who noticed that: Her breathing almost normal, his captive’s head rose to look up at him. Her stare softened – no more than a blink – but it was filled with some reasoning he could not quite interpret. Exactly what she thought, he did not know, but found he liked that new regard, liked it much better than spitting ire at him as an angry cat.

    I like her writing style very much. We seem to be there, with her characters, as the description is so vivid. The research is never too heavy or intrusive; just right: The sun, now breaking through the clouds, made the recent downpour sparkle on the verdant green below, the heathers above the tree line a contrasting vibrant purple. The varying browns of the roundhouse wattles and thatched roofs contrasted with the grey-white smoke gently drifting upwards.

    The contrast between her own father and Lorcan’s father, Tully, is strong, and telling. While Callan, her father, seems to hate her, Tully sees so much to praise in her: “Your heart is large, and you shield your pain well. I say now, that warrior’s mark you wear was well worth the branding, for you have more courage in you than many a man I have come across. And they generally do not have your compassion.”

    Like all good romances, there has to be conflict, not only with the ubiquitous Roman cohorts, but also with fellow Britons. Nara’s road to love is a rocky one, strewn with tears and disappointment. But she’s strong, believing that ‘Work is an answer to a bleeding heart…’

    Perhaps the fighting scenes could have been more graphic, but then again this is a romance; indeed, the restraint may garner more readers. I for one was captivated by Nara and have already purchased the sequel, After Whorl: Bran Reborn.
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  • Kate Robbins
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to Savour Like Sticky Toffee Pudding
    Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    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!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • David Wilkin
    4.0 out of 5 stars If Love is Your thing, look no further
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    That I title this review about love, is I think the theme and plot of our tale. Those who have taken the effort to investigate Nancy Jardine's tale will find that they are in the midst of the turmoil attraction fosters in two souls caught up in a dangerous game and time. Our tale is set in an era where much is going on, and generally it is told from the Roman Conquerors viewpoint. Even now with the man movies we see released about the era when England was invaded by the Romans, we only see the view of the Celts who lived on the island as secondary characters. Or in the case of Boudicca, a figure that will fail.

    Here for those who want to see a love story develop, and then, as classic tropes have, barriers bar the way, Jardine provides a tale that will delight and give you a bang. Though getting there, you will encounter a great deal of tsuris leading to the very edge of a cliff, not once, but multiple times, so that when our couple finally finds happiness, the trouble has been well worth it.

    That the tale suffers and does not receive a full five stars is in the surrounding tale of Rome, and in the dialogue. Our premodern hero and heroine have a few too many modern words in their vocabulary that are in the arsenal of skilled authors, but wouldn't ever fit in the mouths of ancient Celtic tribespeople. They take you out of the story wondering where a tribal warrior, or maiden would learn such a concept.

    Jardine also dilutes the strength of the love story where it could have been stronger with the lack of urgency by the threat of the Romans. This is not a piece of ancient military fiction, for there are many of those now about with love stories added on. This is the reverse, a love story in the times of war. Constant warfare in the case of tribal disharmony, and the threat of the Romans. A threat made real surrounding all that occurs in Jardine's work. And therefore when the Romans are mentioned I begin to wonder why are the warriors not acting more expeditiously to deal with the threat. A legion is thousands of men and as the book shows nearly unstoppable, yet to not give the entire detail of our story away, our warriors recognize the threat but do not work hard enough to prepare for it. The pace and speed that they do work at seems more to do with ensuring that the calendar of events that the author has chosen is met, and this works for the true story of love and romance.

    Putting that aside, and knowing that in history, the Celts, as so many others, have been consumed by time and culture, one can look at the big picture and see that this is a preparation of things to come. That there will be a dynasty of love and romance founded here in the defiant Celtic tales that Jardine has to spin for us. Tales that will entertain many when reading this first, or the others that follow.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Tim Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars A vivid picture of celtic Britain
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The Beltane Choice, set in northern Britain in the first century AD, tells the story of a romance between Nara of the Selgovae tribe and Lorcan of the Brigantes, against the background of an inexorable expansion of Roman control over Britain which forces warring tribes together.
    Nancy Jardine creates a vivid and compelling picture of celtic British society, filled in with lots of well-researched cultural and religious detail, and a cast of well-drawn and interesting characters. She manages to sustain tension throughout as the reader is kept guessing, first about Nara's and Lorcan's attitudes to each other; and later about their eventual fate as first political wrangling and then the chaos of war rob them of control over their own lives. Ultimately, she brings about a conclusion to the story which is both joyful and sad - I will not spoil the book for the reader by revealing it. A very good read.
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  • Mrs. Jennifer M. Black
    4.0 out of 5 stars Celtic culture
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A story from two thousand years ago, when the Romans threatened the Celtic culture of Britain. The love affair between Nara and Lorcan, from rival tribes, stands centre stage, but an engaging cast of characters, mostly male, adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Initially the story progresses at a slow and sedate pace, but once the pair return to Garrigill, events take an interesting turn and held my interest. Lorcan’s father, Tully, became a favourite character even though he threatens to marry Nara off, much to his son’s distress, to any local chief who will have her at the Feast of Beltane. The threat of the Roman Army intensifies and local chieftains show their true colours as they bicker and squabble. The final chapters speed along to a satisfying conclusion.
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  • Book Addict
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't judge by the cover - a 'belter' of a novel.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Nara is hunting wild boar when she is captured by a warrior, Lorcan, from a rival clan. With her as his prisoner, they travel back to his home but on the journey find themselves fighting mutual attraction. But when Lorcan makes the unexpected discovery that his beautiful captive is a virgin, the only explanation he can come up with is that Nara is more important than she pretends.
    Nara is a princess and as such, untouched by the warriors of her own tribe. She has had a vision that the man she chooses to mate with on the festival of Beltane, will father a son who will be a great leader. When she is abducted by the virile Lorcan, she begins to suspect that he is the man predicted by her dream. But when Nara arrives at his fort, she is too important a bargaining chip to choose her own husband. It seems she must marry in order to unite two warring clans and her father will chose her mate...and it isn't Lorcan.
    This book is a hidden gem. I say that because the innocuous brown cover gives no hint of the lush treasure within. The push and pull of attraction, the raw urgency of lust and the eventual soul-deep love between Lorcan and Nara is beautifully written. The characters have a satisfying depth and develop over the course of the book. I especially loved how Nara starts out as a fierce hunter, who would rather die than submit to an enemy, but is later shown to have emotional vulnerability in a very touching way. Lorcan also, goes from being a lusty warrior, to a man tortured by the conflicting demands of love and tribal honour.
    The story never flags for a second and I heartily recommend it. Thoroughly engrossing.
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  • LJ Nelson
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars – Their inner fires will burn brighter than those of Beltane!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I must admit to a hint of trepidation about starting The Beltane Choice. As followers of my reviews will know, I’ve been on a bit of a historical romance fiction addiction of late, but I had yet to dip my toe into the realm of first century Britain.

    Just picture it – priests and priestesses, feuding clans, sacred rituals, alliances, and marauding Romans. This was no easy time in which to live, that’s for sure!

    Nara of Tarras, of the Selgovae, inadvertently finds herself a pawn in game where she holds no power. Yet, she could be the key to an audacious plan to unite the Northern clans against a common enemy, the Romans.

    Lorcan of Garrigill, of the Brigante, emissary for his clan and heir apparent will do anything to protect his clan and their way of life. Even sacrifice his own happiness for the good of his people.

    As the Roman threat escalates, Lorcan and Nara’s connection deepens but will it all be torn asunder by the decisions of others?

    OMG, so you know that trepidation I felt at the beginning of the story? Well, it was well and truly thrown out the window as I got swept away in the ‘will they/won’t they’ relationship between Lorcan and Nara.

    I just wanted to hug Nara. She has been dealt such a crap hand that my heart just went out to her. Just as she’s finally starting to feel like she has a place to belong and a purpose to her life, it could all be ripped away.

    I truly felt immersed in the era and the impending dangers posed not just by the Romans but of tentative clan alliances. It will come as no surprise that I became invested in the welfare and happiness of the characters. The *whistle-winks* tension between Lorcan and Nara was electric! I didn’t know who was going to burst something first, them or me. *snorts*

    My only niggle with the story was I hate not being able to pronounce names or places. The author was clever in having a list of characters at the beginning and a glossary of Gaelic terms at the back, but I would have loved if the translation of the Gaelic terms were alongside the phrases in the story – maybe in italics? And then, because I’m a pain in the proverbial, maybe the character list could have included a pronunciation key?

    I know, I know, I’m a pedant *hangs head* but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to fellow historical fiction lovers who are looking for something a bit different.

    History and romance combine to engage the senses and mind!

    Right, I’m away to sharpen my weapons and fighting skills before picking up Book 2. Oi, stop laughing...
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  • mchas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read and exciting story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book, it has a storyline full of twists and turns and well developed characters that are endearing and frustrating in equal measures! I wouldn't normally pick up this type of novel but found it instantly gripping and hard to put down - it left me waiting for more so I will be first in line if a sequel appears!

    The author's research cannot be underestimated either; it is clear that a significant amount of passion and patience went in to producing believable settings and characters, allowing the reader to become easily immersed in the action.
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