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Ravenstow Trilogy #2
The Running Vixen
A forbidden love takes England to the brink of war...
It's 1126. Heulwen, daughter of Welsh Marcher baron Guyon FitzMiles, has grown up with her father's ward, Adam de Lacey. There has always been a spark between them, but when Heulwen marries elsewhere, to Ralf le Chevalier, a devastated Adam absents himself on various diplomatic missions for King Henry I. When Ralf is killed in a skirmish, Heulwen's father considers a new marriage for her with his neighbour's son, Warrin de Mortimer. Adam, recently returned to England, has good reason to loathe Warrin and is determined not to lose Heulwen a second time. But Heulwen is torn between her duty to her father and the pull of her heart. Adam is no longer the awkward boy she remembers, but a man who stirs every fibre of her being - which places them both in great danger, because Warrin de Mortimer is not a man to be crossed and the future of a country is at stake...
It's 1126. Heulwen, daughter of Welsh Marcher baron Guyon FitzMiles, has grown up with her father's ward, Adam de Lacey. There has always been a spark between them, but when Heulwen marries elsewhere, to Ralf le Chevalier, a devastated Adam absents himself on various diplomatic missions for King Henry I. When Ralf is killed in a skirmish, Heulwen's father considers a new marriage for her with his neighbour's son, Warrin de Mortimer. Adam, recently returned to England, has good reason to loathe Warrin and is determined not to lose Heulwen a second time. But Heulwen is torn between her duty to her father and the pull of her heart. Adam is no longer the awkward boy she remembers, but a man who stirs every fibre of her being - which places them both in great danger, because Warrin de Mortimer is not a man to be crossed and the future of a country is at stake...
389 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1991
307 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,262 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 20, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, like all of Elizabeth Chadwick’s book it is well immersed in its time period, that of Henry l.
It is a love story set in the Welsh Marches, but there is intrigue and conflict-the author doesn’t shy away from realistic descriptions of how brutal life in 12th century could be.
It is a love story set in the Welsh Marches, but there is intrigue and conflict-the author doesn’t shy away from realistic descriptions of how brutal life in 12th century could be.
March 31, 2016
This is a medieval romance novel set in the Welsh Marches (along the English-Welsh border) in the early twelfth century. It is one of Elizabeth Chadwick’s earlier novels and I have been meaning to read it for a long time. Although not immersed in historical fact as her more recent work, this novel is still a well-crafted, imaginative tale. The characters are fictional figures instead of historical, however the context within which they are placed is just as historically valid and well-researched as you would expect from this talented author.
This novel follows on from an earlier novel, The Wild Hunt. Although the story is self-contained and therefore can be read by itself, I would still recommend reading them in order. The female protagonist in this novel, Heulwen, is the daughter of Guyon, the male protagonist in The Wild Hunt. Thus it is intriguing to read of the next generation and see how events have transpired.
Not only have events moved forward for our characters, the kingdom has also gone through turbulent events. This story is set during the time of Henry I, six years after his son and heir drowns in the sinking of “The White Ship”. It can be argued that this tragic event was the catalyst for a period of English history known as “The Anarchy”. After losing his heir Henry I is left with only one legitimate living child: his daughter, Matilda. Although this novel takes place prior to “The Anarchy”, Ms. Chadwick does a marvelous job of portraying the discontent the English lords felt at having to pay homage to a woman.
What I liked about this novel in particular is that whilst it alludes to the grand historical picture, the focus is primarily upon the relationship between Heulwen and Adam, a well-respected knight and land-holder in the Welsh Marches. Adam was the ward of Heulwen’s father and therefore they grew up together. It is evident from the very beginning that Adam has always held deeper feelings for Heulwen and yet she married elsewhere as a young girl. When the reader is introduced to the characters Heulwen is a young woman, a widow, and searching for a husband that will provide her with a marriage of convenience. Although it takes time to fully puzzle it out, the reader is aware that her first husband broke her heart in some way and thus she is not looking for a love match. She has sealed off her heart to prevent herself from being hurt once more.
The villain in this story is, of course, the man whom Heulwen has decided to marry. Oblivious to his atrocities, it is Adam who must bring them to light whilst trying to win Heulwen’s hand at the same time. This leads to an alluring medieval romance tale that I found to be a very entertaining read. Ms. Chadwick does a wonderful job of bringing the past to life and allowing the reader to view the romance in context. We are not viewing Heulwen and Adam as a modern couple merely living in the past, rather they are a true medieval couple. Their mannerisms and ideals are very different to our own and yet the depth of their feelings are the same. Love might very well be the only thing that has not changed throughout the centuries.
I look forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, The Leopard Unleashed.
This novel follows on from an earlier novel, The Wild Hunt. Although the story is self-contained and therefore can be read by itself, I would still recommend reading them in order. The female protagonist in this novel, Heulwen, is the daughter of Guyon, the male protagonist in The Wild Hunt. Thus it is intriguing to read of the next generation and see how events have transpired.
Not only have events moved forward for our characters, the kingdom has also gone through turbulent events. This story is set during the time of Henry I, six years after his son and heir drowns in the sinking of “The White Ship”. It can be argued that this tragic event was the catalyst for a period of English history known as “The Anarchy”. After losing his heir Henry I is left with only one legitimate living child: his daughter, Matilda. Although this novel takes place prior to “The Anarchy”, Ms. Chadwick does a marvelous job of portraying the discontent the English lords felt at having to pay homage to a woman.
What I liked about this novel in particular is that whilst it alludes to the grand historical picture, the focus is primarily upon the relationship between Heulwen and Adam, a well-respected knight and land-holder in the Welsh Marches. Adam was the ward of Heulwen’s father and therefore they grew up together. It is evident from the very beginning that Adam has always held deeper feelings for Heulwen and yet she married elsewhere as a young girl. When the reader is introduced to the characters Heulwen is a young woman, a widow, and searching for a husband that will provide her with a marriage of convenience. Although it takes time to fully puzzle it out, the reader is aware that her first husband broke her heart in some way and thus she is not looking for a love match. She has sealed off her heart to prevent herself from being hurt once more.
The villain in this story is, of course, the man whom Heulwen has decided to marry. Oblivious to his atrocities, it is Adam who must bring them to light whilst trying to win Heulwen’s hand at the same time. This leads to an alluring medieval romance tale that I found to be a very entertaining read. Ms. Chadwick does a wonderful job of bringing the past to life and allowing the reader to view the romance in context. We are not viewing Heulwen and Adam as a modern couple merely living in the past, rather they are a true medieval couple. Their mannerisms and ideals are very different to our own and yet the depth of their feelings are the same. Love might very well be the only thing that has not changed throughout the centuries.
I look forward to reading the last book in the trilogy, The Leopard Unleashed.
July 11, 2009
Book Two in the Ravenstow Trilogy 3.5 Stars. This book tells the story of Guyan's newly widowed natural daughter Heulwen and Adam de Lacey who was raised in Guyan and Judith's household. Adam has just returned from escorting Maude/Mathidla from Germany back to England to be sworn in as Henry I's heir, to the chagrin of the Barons. Although raised as brother and sister, Adam is in love with Heulwen, but she has plans to marry a man Adam detests, and Adam eventually comes across damning evidence against him. Naturally, sparks fly between the two and Adam and Heulwen are caught by Warrin in a compromising situation that leads to a battle for the death between the two.
This was an interesting tale set amidst the background of the intrigues and treachery of Henry I's court, and I very much enjoyed seeing more of Guyan and Judith and their brood of children, most especially that scamp Renard. This is the second time that I've read this book, the first being about two years ago before I had read much of the author's later works. It was interesting to revisit one of her earlier books and see the contrast between them and how the author has grown. Interestingly, many parts of this book reminded me of Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles, and very different in style from The Wild Hunt. While a well told tale, I did not find the effortless sense of time travel she shows in her later works, as she seamlessly blends the sights, sounds smells, clothing of the medieval period into her stories.
I definitely like the new cover much better than the one I have.
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This was an interesting tale set amidst the background of the intrigues and treachery of Henry I's court, and I very much enjoyed seeing more of Guyan and Judith and their brood of children, most especially that scamp Renard. This is the second time that I've read this book, the first being about two years ago before I had read much of the author's later works. It was interesting to revisit one of her earlier books and see the contrast between them and how the author has grown. Interestingly, many parts of this book reminded me of Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles, and very different in style from The Wild Hunt. While a well told tale, I did not find the effortless sense of time travel she shows in her later works, as she seamlessly blends the sights, sounds smells, clothing of the medieval period into her stories.
I definitely like the new cover much better than the one I have.
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April 1, 2012
This book peaked WAAAY too early. It was also much more sexual than I expected. That's not always a bad thing but for some reason at this stage in my book-reading life, it annoyed me. Halfway through the book, it seems like everything should end there. This is my first Chadwick book that I've ever read and now that I'm perusing other reviews, I should have started elsewhere. This book is certainly not BAD by any means. The writing is VERY descriptive the characters are quite interesting and likeable but the feeling of the book just didn't do it for me. It was not hard to get into initially for me but it was hard to keep reading.
June 1, 2012
Elizabeth Chadwick's THE RUNNING VIXEN, the sequel to her debut novel THE WILD HUNT, is much more than just another historical romance. Instead it's a vibrant and often moving story of the loving relationship that develops between two opposed characters, supported by a rich historical backdrop that most authors have difficulty in achieving.
Many of the supporting characters return from THE WILD HUNT and Chadwick has lost none of her ability to bring the Norman era to life. From melees and tournaments to cross-Channel trips and rides around the Welsh border, her story is never less than alive and full-bodied. The protagonists are likeable and, crucially, believable, and their developing romance is both poignant and devoid of cliche.
One of Chadwick's particular strengths lies in the richness of the historical detail that she brings to the table and I can think of few authors who achieve the level of seemingly effortless realism evident in this novel. Another aspect I really like is that the harshness of the era is evident in the plotting; there's no sugar-coated fantasy here. Instead of dragging the mood of the story down, however, these dark inroads merely add to the novel's themes of love, sacrifice and understanding.
Many of the supporting characters return from THE WILD HUNT and Chadwick has lost none of her ability to bring the Norman era to life. From melees and tournaments to cross-Channel trips and rides around the Welsh border, her story is never less than alive and full-bodied. The protagonists are likeable and, crucially, believable, and their developing romance is both poignant and devoid of cliche.
One of Chadwick's particular strengths lies in the richness of the historical detail that she brings to the table and I can think of few authors who achieve the level of seemingly effortless realism evident in this novel. Another aspect I really like is that the harshness of the era is evident in the plotting; there's no sugar-coated fantasy here. Instead of dragging the mood of the story down, however, these dark inroads merely add to the novel's themes of love, sacrifice and understanding.
August 17, 2016
(8/10) This follows on nicely from the first book in the Ravenstow trilogy and I really enjoyed it. It does go off on a completely different angle from the first which I found a nice change of pace. The two main characters are both a lot older and worldly wise when they get together (scandalous for the the time, the scene in the rented house made me chuckle)! I felt the connection between the characters and did spend a lot of time willing them to get over themselves and just get together already!
One thing I really liked about this was the revisiting of some of the older characters from book one, particularly Miles, always likable and a nice voice of reason for the two stubborn leads.
For historical context this is again light, the focus is much more on the love story here. Not a bad thing at all I found it immensely enjoyable and a strong follow up to EC's first novel.
One thing I really liked about this was the revisiting of some of the older characters from book one, particularly Miles, always likable and a nice voice of reason for the two stubborn leads.
For historical context this is again light, the focus is much more on the love story here. Not a bad thing at all I found it immensely enjoyable and a strong follow up to EC's first novel.
September 12, 2022
B+: While the history is iffy, the Romance is stronger. Love any book with even a smiddling of Geoffrey of Anjou.
Henry I has fought off one of his brothers to gain the throne, but continues to be threatened by William C in Normandy. Against this political backdrop, minor Norman Welsh Border Lord Adam de Lacey tries to outwit and outfight Warrin de Mortimer and marry the recently widowed Heulwen, who while deeply attracted to Adam wishes, after the debacle of her first marriage, not to be emotionally attached to any 2nd husband.
While raised as siblings, (Adam was a ward of Heulwen's father Guyon and lived in the household) Adam knows he is in love with Heulwen, who has instead loved, married and lost the charming but faithless Ralf. After Ralf's death in a Welsh raid, Heulwen chooses a business convenience marriage to combine lands to her father's former squire Warrin de Mortimer instead of another passion but potentially pain filled romantic marriage. Adam, a message courier for Henry I's shading political dealings, comes home after several years away still loving Heulwen and sparring with Warrin, who was abusive while Guyon's squire. After hearing damming information about Warrin, Adam makes his case to the King before making his case to the reluctant but passionate Heulwen. [The scene were Adam and Heulwen admit and act on their love is excellent. Probably completely unbelievable outcome, but still a joy to read.]
Has all the required ingredients for a medieval romance: Court politics, Welsh border raids, and a court ordered fight to the death!
Chadwick does her Norman Knights like no other & Heulwen was a great female lead.
Henry I has fought off one of his brothers to gain the throne, but continues to be threatened by William C in Normandy. Against this political backdrop, minor Norman Welsh Border Lord Adam de Lacey tries to outwit and outfight Warrin de Mortimer and marry the recently widowed Heulwen, who while deeply attracted to Adam wishes, after the debacle of her first marriage, not to be emotionally attached to any 2nd husband.
While raised as siblings, (Adam was a ward of Heulwen's father Guyon and lived in the household) Adam knows he is in love with Heulwen, who has instead loved, married and lost the charming but faithless Ralf. After Ralf's death in a Welsh raid, Heulwen chooses a business convenience marriage to combine lands to her father's former squire Warrin de Mortimer instead of another passion but potentially pain filled romantic marriage. Adam, a message courier for Henry I's shading political dealings, comes home after several years away still loving Heulwen and sparring with Warrin, who was abusive while Guyon's squire. After hearing damming information about Warrin, Adam makes his case to the King before making his case to the reluctant but passionate Heulwen. [The scene were Adam and Heulwen admit and act on their love is excellent. Probably completely unbelievable outcome, but still a joy to read.]
Has all the required ingredients for a medieval romance: Court politics, Welsh border raids, and a court ordered fight to the death!
Chadwick does her Norman Knights like no other & Heulwen was a great female lead.
December 9, 2025
Another great book by this author. I had so much fun reading this and I can't wait to pick up another book by her. If anyone is reading her William Marshall or Alienor of Aquitaine series and wondering if her old stuff is as good as her new stuff, it absolutely is. She's not someone who took ten books to become good.
May 4, 2024
Dull. Read similiar. But then it only cost me 99p in the Oxfam bargain bin.
Toast
Toast
January 4, 2009
Book Two in the Ravenstow Trilogy 3.5 Stars. This book tells the story of Guyan's newly widowed natural daughter Heulwen and Adam de Lacey who was raised in Guyan and Judith's household. Adam has just returned from escorting Maude/Mathidla from Germany back to England to be sworn in as Henry I's heir, to the chagrin of the Barons. Although raised as brother and sister, Adam is in love with Heulwen, but she has plans to marry a man Adam detests, and Adam eventually comes across damning evidence against him. Naturally, sparks fly between the two and Adam and Heulwen are caught by Warrin in a compromising situation that leads to a battle for the death between the two.
This was an interesting tale set amidst the background of the intrigues and treachery of Henry I's court, and I very much enjoyed seeing more of Guyan and Judith and their brood of children, most especially that scamp Renard. This is the second time that I've read this book, the first being about two years ago before I had read much of the author's later works. It was interesting to revisit one of her earlier books and see the contrast between them and how the author has grown. Interestingly, many parts of this book reminded me of Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles, and very different in style from The Wild Hunt. While a well told tale, I did not find the effortless sense of time travel she shows in her later works, as she seamlessly blends the sights, sounds smells, clothing of the medieval period into her stories.
This was an interesting tale set amidst the background of the intrigues and treachery of Henry I's court, and I very much enjoyed seeing more of Guyan and Judith and their brood of children, most especially that scamp Renard. This is the second time that I've read this book, the first being about two years ago before I had read much of the author's later works. It was interesting to revisit one of her earlier books and see the contrast between them and how the author has grown. Interestingly, many parts of this book reminded me of Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles, and very different in style from The Wild Hunt. While a well told tale, I did not find the effortless sense of time travel she shows in her later works, as she seamlessly blends the sights, sounds smells, clothing of the medieval period into her stories.
June 24, 2021
Another home run for Elizabeth Chadwick. She's one of the very few authors I've encountered that can seamlessly transport her readers to the place and time she writes about. She makes them smell the herbs as the characters walk across the rush floors, breathe the damp air of Wales, see the shine of silks and banners of war, and hear the clop of horse hooves and rustle of chainmail of knights. You literally experience the book, not just read it.
Her characters in this book are also just as engaging as her other volumes. The medieval world is shown in all its glory through their experiences, triumphs and horrors together. I felt very drawn to her main hero and heroine. Their journey to love was very hard; only at the end, I felt, did the light bulb go over their heads and they were able to overcome all obstacles to achieve harmony. I really liked how respectful Adam was to Heulwen through the hard experiences towards the end. I think it was his understanding and support that got her through those horrible events. All together, their love story was beautiful and I enjoyed it immensely.
Her characters in this book are also just as engaging as her other volumes. The medieval world is shown in all its glory through their experiences, triumphs and horrors together. I felt very drawn to her main hero and heroine. Their journey to love was very hard; only at the end, I felt, did the light bulb go over their heads and they were able to overcome all obstacles to achieve harmony. I really liked how respectful Adam was to Heulwen through the hard experiences towards the end. I think it was his understanding and support that got her through those horrible events. All together, their love story was beautiful and I enjoyed it immensely.
March 30, 2013
3.5 stars
I love reading Chadwick, when I start reading one, I feel like I'm treating myself to something special.
This is the second book following The Wild Hunt, I enjoyed reading about Judith again, I really liked her character in the first book.
In this book the focus is on Heulwen , Guyun's daughter, and Adam, whom he raised.
Adam has always been in Love with Heulwen, and now that she is widowed he sees a chance when her betrothed is suspected of treachery against King Henry.
I didn't like Adam and Heulwen much, but it was an enjoyable read, we are introduced to Renard, whose book is the third one and I can't wait to read it.
I love reading Chadwick, when I start reading one, I feel like I'm treating myself to something special.
This is the second book following The Wild Hunt, I enjoyed reading about Judith again, I really liked her character in the first book.
In this book the focus is on Heulwen , Guyun's daughter, and Adam, whom he raised.
Adam has always been in Love with Heulwen, and now that she is widowed he sees a chance when her betrothed is suspected of treachery against King Henry.
I didn't like Adam and Heulwen much, but it was an enjoyable read, we are introduced to Renard, whose book is the third one and I can't wait to read it.
May 23, 2021
The 2nd book in the Ravenstow trilogy. I first read this book a few years ago. Not very impressed then and had given it only 3 stars. Then the prequel, The Coming of the Wolf, was released recently. And it was so good. It explains and makes everything clearer for me, from the who’s who to the events that leading up to the stories in the subsequent books.
After reading the prequel I reread the whole series all over, saw and appreciated them in a different light. This book is still the least of my favourite in the series and I still don’t quite like Heulwen, but on the whole I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time.
After reading the prequel I reread the whole series all over, saw and appreciated them in a different light. This book is still the least of my favourite in the series and I still don’t quite like Heulwen, but on the whole I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time.
February 15, 2019
That was definitely not one of the best by Chadwick.
Yes, there was an adventure, an action, a romance and historical accuracy. But it lacked something that was in her other books. Something that carries away, grips full attention etc.
The best parts were that I saw Guyon and Judith from The Wild Hunt and (as Misfit called him) the scamp Renard. I must read his story now.
Most of all, it still was better than most historical fiction.
Yes, there was an adventure, an action, a romance and historical accuracy. But it lacked something that was in her other books. Something that carries away, grips full attention etc.
The best parts were that I saw Guyon and Judith from The Wild Hunt and (as Misfit called him) the scamp Renard. I must read his story now.
Most of all, it still was better than most historical fiction.
October 21, 2021
What to say about this book? It’s no 2 in the series, and I’ve read the books out of order. I really enjoyed the interplay between Heulwyn and Adam. The thing that spoiled red story for me and hence I downgraded the rating was that the author put a rape scene in. I think the plot could have been better served something happening to Adam near the end. I was just disappointed as I didn’t think a rape scene was necessary.
That said, I think the character Adam, deals with the rape of his wife in a very compassionate way.
That said, I think the character Adam, deals with the rape of his wife in a very compassionate way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2016
Am thoroughly enjoying the reading of Ms. Chadwick's early novels...you rock, Elizabeth! Your journey to the writer you are today is quite satisfying for this reader...
Read twice!! The last time to a recoving husband who is a heart patient.
Read twice!! The last time to a recoving husband who is a heart patient.
August 11, 2015
This is more focused on the love story. Not much combat. Much politics. But the interactions among the members of Judith and Guyon's family are interesting and entertaining, especially tactless Renard.
September 2, 2020
Guyon Fitzmiles beautiful daughter Heulwen has always been headstrong and determined. When it came time to choose a husband she fell heedlessly in love with the first man she was attracted to and although the feeling was mutual, the loyalty was not. Ten years of unhappy marriage can drain anyone but for Heulwen it just made her angry. When her husband meets an untimely death in 1126, she is both relieved and sorrowful for the man she loved. Looking for dependability in all the wrong places she considers a marriage with her neighbors son Warrin de Mortimer who looks at Heulwen as more of a prize than wife.
Adam de Lacey grew up with Heulwen as her father’s ward and overtime fell in love with her. When she was first married he drowned his sorrows in wine and quickly joined the King’s court to escape. Now he has returned and is committed to making Heulwen see him as not the would be brother but as a man who sincerely loves her. Throughout all this we have a country troubled by a King with no male heir and too many others chomping at the bit to claim their right to the throne.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for the history it contained and the detailed scenes within the story, particularly the fight scenes were very engaging but the love story just sort of fell flat. I don’t know if it’s me being a prude but I felt like Heulwen jumped from one relationship to another and her trust issues while understandable were not believable. I will say that Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing writer and I will continue to read her books.
Adam de Lacey grew up with Heulwen as her father’s ward and overtime fell in love with her. When she was first married he drowned his sorrows in wine and quickly joined the King’s court to escape. Now he has returned and is committed to making Heulwen see him as not the would be brother but as a man who sincerely loves her. Throughout all this we have a country troubled by a King with no male heir and too many others chomping at the bit to claim their right to the throne.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for the history it contained and the detailed scenes within the story, particularly the fight scenes were very engaging but the love story just sort of fell flat. I don’t know if it’s me being a prude but I felt like Heulwen jumped from one relationship to another and her trust issues while understandable were not believable. I will say that Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing writer and I will continue to read her books.
June 3, 2019
I like historical fiction and this is certainly very readable. The plot kept me fairly enagaged even if it was a bit predictable. It follows the developing love story between the daughter of a land owning lord and his ward, despite the threat of a jealous rival, all set against a background of King Henry I plotting to get the most tactical marriage possible for his daughter. I struggled a bit with the portrayal of women though. Of course the women take on typical roles for the Medival era and there are attempts to show them as strong characters, not merely passive wives and daughters, but even so the way that the female protagonist and her emotions are written about often felt a bit outdated to me.
March 10, 2021
I didn't realise this was a sequel to 'The Wild Hunt' at first, then I thought some of the characters seemed familiar and looked it up! This book focuses on Guyon's foster son Adam & his daughter Heulwen but Guyon and Judith are in the background.
I ended up enjoying this more than 'The Wild Hunt', just swept me away in the tale of historical romance. Still can't understand why Heulwen made a pretence of wanting to marry Warren when he was clearly a twat, not sure I was buying the 'can't marry for love again'. I was pleased when that didn't work out.
The ending was pretty horrible and then got better slightly. It was good that their love was strong enough to survive that. I really want to read the rest of Chadwick's books!
I ended up enjoying this more than 'The Wild Hunt', just swept me away in the tale of historical romance. Still can't understand why Heulwen made a pretence of wanting to marry Warren when he was clearly a twat, not sure I was buying the 'can't marry for love again'. I was pleased when that didn't work out.
The ending was pretty horrible and then got better slightly. It was good that their love was strong enough to survive that. I really want to read the rest of Chadwick's books!
December 7, 2024
This is the second novel in Chadwick’s Medieval Trilogy. When the daughter of a prominent baron is widowed, her father seeks another marriage for his daughter, Heulwen. Things become complicated when the boy she grew up with, as her father’s ward, returns. He is no longer a boy, and the attraction between the two is immediate. There is already bad blood between the man who was promised her hand in marriage and the man she now found herself in love with. The two men have a complicated history. Again, Chadwick gives a sweet love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
I started with the prequel to this series became hooked and have just started the last book in the series. It is great to find an author who writes such good books across a series, I have really enjoyed escaping with the generations of the family. I will feel the loss once I have finished the series, however, I have other E Chadwick books to explore. Loved these books, just the right mix of drama, intrigue and relationships turbulence.
December 9, 2019
Was actually pretty good, I thought I'd have to crawl my way through the book but actually I ended up being very engaged with the story and the characters more than I thought I would. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in historical dramas.
December 17, 2020
Yet again this author is able to bring to life the times and characters from history. It is always a delight and pleasure to read these wonderful stories.
It is also good that, although the books stand alone, there is a relationship to the other books in the series.
It is also good that, although the books stand alone, there is a relationship to the other books in the series.
June 16, 2021
Really enjoying this series, now on to book three. Love Elizabeth Chadwick's style of writing. I have Iived in Shrewsbury for many years now so am finding I would like to learn more about the history of the whole area.
September 28, 2018
Pretty good. I like Elizabeth Chadwick's books, this was all right for her early writing.
January 22, 2020
4.5/6
Good book! Personally I liked the MCs of the previous book more. But I would read this again!
Good book! Personally I liked the MCs of the previous book more. But I would read this again!
May 11, 2020
Good, medieval intrigue, plots against the throne, with independent 'spirited' women. Chadwick paints a picture of very little privacy even in the 'intimate' moments.
May 16, 2020
Thrilling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews