What would you do if you woke up in another time and place? That is just what happened to Ruby. After a painful goodbye to her estranged husband, Ruby decides to listen to a self-help CD but it only puts her to sleep. When she wakes up, she is years in the past. There she meets Thork, a Viking who not only looks like her husband but also causes the same longing in Ruby as Jack. Not wanting to deal with the pain again, Ruby tries to fight her emotions. Will Ruby succeed and find her way back to her own time without loosing her heart again?

I loved Ruby right from the start. She is a strong woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and is determined to stand on her own. Ruby loves Thork and Jack with all her heart and fights to keep them both. Thork comes off as a mean and arrogant man but he loves Ruby and he bears an uncanny resemblance and personality to Jack. Watching Ruby realize her love and deal with her pain and emotions was a wonderful read. The love that is shared in this book is evident in all that they do. Thor and Jack seem to be the same man. I enjoyed seeing both men find the love that they have for Ruby.

THE RELUCTANT VIKING is not as humorous as many of Sandra Hill's other books but it makes up for that with its emotional depth. This story was a sweet romance and also gives the reader an interesting view on the depth of love and maybe even our souls. I enjoyed this updated version of this book and I hope that there will be more coming in the future.