HEARTS AND SWORDS tells the tales of the original settlers of Celta.

Kelse Bountry is awakened from stasis to discover that the trip that should have taken around 75 years is now into its second century. Other than those still in the cryonics bay, few of the ship's crew even remember leaving Earth and the battles they fought to escape the persecution for their psi powers. Kelse must save the ship and find a place for them to land before they run out of fuel.

Heart Story is the tale of Arbusca Willow. She was denied her Heart Mate by her mother and forced into a marriage for financial and political gain. With her mother newly dead and her husband dead for several years, Arbusca sets out to find her Heart Mate and see if they can build a life together.

Heart and Soul is the story of Genista Furze Holly. After her divorce from Tinne Holly, Genista sets out to make a life of her own. She has an annoying neighbor who insists on talking to her each day. She has become an apprentice to a clock maker.

Noble Heart has Walker Clover, a commoner facing all of his passages at once. Now his power is so great that he will be raised to the nobility. His families wealth is great but none of them have the training to survive this change. He will work with Sedwy Grove to learn what he needs to take his new place on the council.

While I loved the stories, I wanted a book about each of them. We know some of the back story since Genista and Tinne Holly made cameos in several of the Celta novels but I was left wanting more. It was great to see Ms. Owen take someone whom everyone dislikes and lets us see her as a sympathetic character who deserves a love of her own. Heart and Sword is a fascinating addition to the series since it gives us so much of the backstory that is hinted to in all the Celta novels. Noble Heart is exceptionally moving as we see Walker deal with a passage he never expected and the revelation of a secret that will force him to evaluate his place in the family.