Elizabeth Chadwick’s– Forbidden Love in Jerusalem in the time of the Templars!

This story shifts from William Marshall (The Greatest Knight) as a knight in the Holy Land to his pilgrimage to Jerusalem to lay the young King Henry’s cloak on the sepulcher to his dying days in England. Along the way, in Constantinople, William and his brother, Ancel, encounter evil men who believe them to be spies for Rome.

 

In Jerusalem, they become embroiled in the politics of the ancient city while helping King Baldwin who is suffering from leprosy. It is there William encounters the dangerous Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land. William pursues an affair with Pascia, hoping to keep it secret. Once discovered, their lives are in danger. Their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars who protect them and the two silk shrouds William has purchased for his eventual death.

 

As with all Chadwick’s books, she takes you into the time and place with vivid descriptions, meticulous research and her gift for painting a scene. Having read all her William Marshall stories save this one (book 6), I was surprised that Marshall was so weak in the face of rejection by a woman who was already compromised. But Chadwick did a good job bringing their emotions to the fore.

 

The story will draw you in. The flashbacks to the Holy Land are what make it enjoyable. To realize he is seeing it again in his mind as he lay on his deathbed made it a bit sad. Still, a good one to add to the collection. All her books shine with excellence.

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE SUMMER QUEEN – First in a Series about the Magnificent Eleanor of Aquitaine

Set in the 12^th century, this is the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who at 13 lost her father and was forced to marry the young Prince Louis of France. A week after the marriage she becomes a queen. Louis is a disappointment to the intelligent young queen, preferring his devotion to the church to her or much else. In addition, she has a mother-in-law no one would want. Her sister  Petronella is self-willed and Eleanor must deal with her as well.

 

Eleanor gives birth to a daughter (to Louis’ disappointment) and then he forces her to go on Crusade with him because he does not trust her with France while he is away. With their marriage in trouble ,Eleanor falls in love with an old flame and, missing Aquitaine, seeks an annulment from her marriage.

 

This is another well-written historical novel by Chadwick based on much research into some truly interesting characters, Eleanor being the primary one. I enjoyed it. It’s the first in her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. Henry of Anjou only shows up toward the end and one must read book 2 for their marriage.

 

The Summer Queen

The Winter Crown

The Autumn Throne

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

 

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

 

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12 year old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

 

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historic figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.) 

 

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

 

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

 

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

 

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read alone.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s FOR THE KING’S FAVOR – A Woman Forced to be the King’s Mistress Dares to Have Her Own Life

King Henry II had the power to take any young woman as his mistress that he wanted. Even easier if she is his ward. So, Henry claims 15-year-old Ida de Tosney, forever changing her life. As a royal concubine, she is treated well, though some call her “the king’s whore”. After she gives birth to Henry’s son, Ida wants out. She would have an honorable man and a family of her own. But the king forces her to give up her new son if she is to go.

Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute for the title Earl of Norfolk with his half-brothers. Already an acclaimed warrior, Roger is smitten by Ida. She sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life with an honorable man. But their love will be tested in the difficult times in which they are living.

Chadwick brings the era to life and provides us with a great “prequel” to the William Marshall series. This intriguing story tells of the court intrigue, battles and treachery that surrounds the Plantagenet court as Henry dies and his son, Richard, takes the throne. A great read!

The William Marshal series:

For the King’s Favor
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
For the King's Favor
Templar Silks
To Defy a King

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s TO DEFY A KING - Brilliant Telling of Love in the midst of Terrible Times in King John’s England

 

From my Favorite Heroes and Heroines List comes this tale set in 13^th century England. It’s the 6^th in the William Marshall/Bigod series and tells of Mahelt Marshall, the eldest daughter of William and Isabelle Marshall, and her marriage to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. If you read The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion first, you will have a solid foundation for this story.

 

The villain of the story is King John, a cruel tyrant, a murderer of children and a despoiler of women, particularly those wed to his barons. But this is also the love story of Mahelt and Hugh and how their love survived those horrible times. Mahelt is spirited and courageous, like her father and Hugh is a steady, loyal man who loves his wife.

 

The story begins as the young Mahelt is taken into the Bigod family to be protected until her marriage to Hugh. Then her brothers become King John’s hostages and Mahelt and Hugh are quickly married as her father leaves for his property in Ireland. She must grow up and quickly to handle all she is presented with, including a father-in-law who treats her like chattel.

 

When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods and her young son is taken hostage, Mahelt faces a heartbreaking battle, fearing neither she, nor her marriage, will survive.

 

A brilliant weaving of historical fact with fiction that brings this period in England’s history to life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

 

Elizabeth Chadwick's FOR THE KING'S FAVOR - A Woman Forced to be the King’s Mistress Dares to Have Her Own Life

King Henry II had the power to take any young woman as his mistress that he wanted. Even easier if she is his ward. So, Henry claims 15-year-old Ida de Tosney, forever changing her life. As a royal concubine, she is treated well, though some call her “the king’s whore”. After she gives birth to Henry’s son, Ida wants out. She would have an honorable man and a family of her own. But the king forces her to give up her new son if she is to go.

Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute for the title Earl of Norfolk with his half-brothers. Already an acclaimed warrior, Roger is smitten by Ida. She sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life with an honorable man. But their love will be tested in the difficult times in which they are living.

Chadwick brings the era to life and provides us with a great “prequel” to the William Marshall series. This intriguing story tells of the court intrigue, battles and treachery that surrounds the Plantagenet court as Henry dies and his son, Richard, takes the throne. A great read!

The William Marshal series:

For the King’s Favor
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
For the King's Favor
Templar Silks
To Defy a King

Elizabeth Chadwick’s– Forbidden Love in Jerusalem in the time of the Templars!

This story shifts from William Marshall (The Greatest Knight) as a knight in the Holy Land to his pilgrimage to Jerusalem to lay the young King Henry’s cloak on the sepulcher to his dying days in England. Along the way, in Constantinople, William and his brother, Ancel, encounter evil men who believe them to be spies for Rome.

 

In Jerusalem, they become embroiled in the politics of the ancient city while helping King Baldwin who is suffering from leprosy. It is there William encounters the dangerous Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land. William pursues an affair with Pascia, hoping to keep it secret. Once discovered, their lives are in danger. Their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars who protect them and the two silk shrouds William has purchased for his eventual death.

 

As with all Chadwick’s books, she takes you into the time and place with vivid descriptions, meticulous research and her gift for painting a scene. Having read all her William Marshall stories save this one (book 6), I was surprised that Marshall was so weak in the face of rejection by a woman who was already compromised. But Chadwick did a good job bringing their emotions to the fore.

 

The story will draw you in. The flashbacks to the Holy Land are what make it enjoyable. To realize he is seeing it again in his mind as he lay on his deathbed made it a bit sad. Still, a good one to add to the collection. All her books shine with excellence.

 

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s IRISH PRINCESS – Ireland in the 12th Century with the Coming of the Normans and an Alliance that Led to Love

Aoife MacMurchada is just 14 years old when her father Diarmit, King of Leinster, is brutally deposed, and her family is forced to flee Southern Ireland into England where they seek help from King Henry II. Henry takes a keen interest in the lovely young Aoife with the voice of an angel when she sings. But she is wise enough not to fall into his clutches. Aoife’s father’s need for a strong alliance to win back his lands leads him to Richard de Clare, lord of Striguil, a man looking for new lands and stature. Marrying the daughter of the King of Leinster will bring him what he needs.

Diarmit promises Richard wealth, lands, and Aoife's hand in return for his military aid. For her part, Aoife will do her duty for the father she loves. An alliance formed of necessity will change Ireland’s future forever and lead to love for Aoife as she becomes Richard’s admired countess.

 

A well-written historical that sheds light on the Normans coming to Ireland and the role of the de Clare-MacMurchada alliance. I loved the rich historical detail, the Irish spirit preserved in the characters, the classic picture of King Henry as a letch, albeit with a gracious demeanor, and the love story between Richard and Aoife.

 

Another great read from Chadwick!

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

 

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12 year old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

 

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historic figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.)

 

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

 

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

 

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

 

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read alone.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s FOR THE KING’S FAVOR – A Woman Forced to be the King’s Mistress Dares to Have Her Own Life

King Henry II had the power to take any young woman as his mistress that he wanted. Even easier if she is his ward. So, Henry claims 15-year-old Ida de Tosney, forever changing her life. As a royal concubine, she is treated well, though some call her “the king’s whore”. After she gives birth to Henry’s son, Ida wants out. She would have an honorable man and a family of her own. But the king forces her to give up her new son if she is to go.

Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute for the title Earl of Norfolk with his half-brothers. Already an acclaimed warrior, Roger is smitten by Ida. She sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life with an honorable man. But their love will be tested in the difficult times in which they are living.

Chadwick brings the era to life and provides us with a great “prequel” to the William Marshall series. This intriguing story tells of the court intrigue, battles and treachery that surrounds the Plantagenet court as Henry dies and his son, Richard, takes the throne. A great read!

The William Marshal series:

For the King’s Favor
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
For the King's Favor
Templar Silks
To Defy a King

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s TO DEFY A KING - Brilliant Telling of Love in the midst of Terrible Times in King John’s England

October is Medieval month on the blog and I’m beginning with a great story.

 

Set in 13^th century England, this 6^th in the William Marshal/Bigod series is the story of Mahelt Marshal, the eldest daughter of William and Isabelle Marshall, and her marriage to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. If you read The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion first, you will have a solid foundation for this story.

 

The villain of the story is King John, a cruel tyrant, a murderer of children and a despoiler of women, particularly those wed to his barons. But this is also the love story of Mahelt and Hugh and how their love survived those horrible times. Mahelt is spirited and courageous, like her father and Hugh is a steady, loyal man who loves his wife.

 

The story begins as the young Mahelt is taken into the Bigod family to be protected until her marriage to Hugh. Then her brothers become King John’s hostages and Mahelt and Hugh are quickly married as her father leaves for his property in Ireland. She must grow up and quickly to handle all she is presented with, including a father-in-law who treats her like chattel.

 

When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods and her young son is taken hostage, Mahelt faces a heartbreaking battle, fearing neither she, nor her marriage, will survive.

 

A brilliant weaving of historical fact with fiction that brings this period in England’s history to life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s TEMPLAR SILKS – Forbidden Love in Jerusalem in the time of the Templars!

 

This story shifts from William Marshall (“The Greatest Knight”) who is dying in England to his memories as a knight in the Holy Land and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. There he was to lay the young King Henry’s cloak on the sepulcher. On the way, in Constantinople, William and his brother, Ancel, encounter evil men who believe them to be spies for Rome. In Jerusalem, they become embroiled in the politics of the ancient city while helping King Baldwin who is suffering from leprosy.

 

It is there William encounters the dangerous Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land. William pursues an affair with Pascia, hoping to keep it secret. Once discovered, their lives are in danger. Their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars who protect them and the two silk shrouds William has purchased for his eventual death.

 

As with all Chadwick’s books, she takes you into the time and place with vivid descriptions, her meticulous research and gift for painting a scene. Having read all her William Marshall stories save this one, I was surprised that he was so weak in the face of rejection by a woman who was already compromised. But Chadwick did a good job bringing their emotions to the fore. Still, I didn’t picture him that way.

 

The story will draw you in. The flashbacks to the Holy Land are what make it enjoyable. To realize he is seeing it again in his mind as he lay on his deathbed made it a bit sad. Still, a good one to add to the collection.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE GREATEST KNIGHT – Splendid Story of a Historical Knight and his Lady Love in the time of the Plantagenets

This is the second in the William Marshall series (see list below). Set in the 12^th century, it tells the story of William Marshall, a young knight who rose to be the greatest knight on the tourney circuit and the favorite of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Chadwick paints a vivid picture of a man who took advantage of every opportunity and, with honor and commitment, never disappointed. Along the way, he meets his true love, Isabelle de Clare, a countess who made William a magnate. I enjoyed seeing their love develop and the strong woman Isabelle was, admired by her husband. Together, they forge an alliance that withstood the test of time.

I love how Chadwick weaves historical fact with her believable fiction. The characters come alive and the history unfolds all around you. Truly a splendid adventure well told!

The Marshal Novels:

A Place Beyond Courage
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
The Time of Singing (The King’s Favor in the US)

To Defy a King

Elizabeth Chadwick’s A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE – Wonderful Medieval Storytelling brings you 12th Century England

October is Medieval month on Historical Romance Review. I’m starting with a deep historical. Set in the twelfth century, beginning in 1130, this is the story of John FitzGilbert, the Marshall for King Henry I, and Sybilla of Salisbury set against the war between King Stephen, who followed Henry I, and Matilda, Henry’s daughter.

When King Henry I dies, and his nephew, Stephen, becomes king, he rewards John with castles and lands. John, it turns out, was a master at organizing everything that made the king’s castles and life run smoothly. And a very powerful man. He was also a brilliant and courageous warrior. But when John’s jealous rivals persuade King Stephen that John is not loyal, he changes allegiances and backs Henry’s daughter, Matilda. In the process, his first marriage is annulled and he is forced to marry Sybilla.

I loved this story. Chadwick brings alive twelfth century England and its warring factions in a rich historical tapestry of well-drawn characters based on solid research. It’s a time in history when both men and women face challenges absent in normal life and where marriage was only a tool of political leaders. Love, if it came at all, was an unexpected boon. And if a man who was a strong leader found a wife of ideas and well thought out opinions, he found a new life. Sometimes a match made for political reasons produced a bond stronger than life.

In this story we also get to see the young William Marshall, son of John and Sybilla, when he is taken hostage by King Stephen. William will become a great knight. (His story is told in The Greatest Knight.)

Get lost in medieval England and enjoy Chadwick’s meticulous storytelling!

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE SCARLET LION – The Marshal’s Story Continues…

The love story of William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare continues in this sequel to The Greatest Knight. When King Richard dies, his younger brother, John, takes the throne and brings his evil leadership to England. It is not long before William falls out of favor trying to save his lands in Normandy governed by Philip II.

Along the way, we meet the children of William and Isabelle, including the charming Mahelt (Matilda) who Chadwick fits perfectly into a loving family as her father’s favorite daughter and the eldest girl. As a young teenager, she is wed to Hugh Bigod, 3^rd Earl of Norfolk, just as her parents leave for Isabelle’s lands in Ireland. (Mahelt will be the heroine in To Defy a King.)

The history of the 12^th century comes alive in this well-told and exciting story with vivid images, treachery and shifting alliances. William and Isabelle attempt to steer a noble course through a sea of King John’s muck. Like the others in the series, this one is definitely worth reading! Just superb!

The Marshal Novels:

A Place Beyond Courage
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
The Time of Singing (The King’s Favor in the US)

To Defy a King

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12-year-old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historical figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.)

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read as a stand alone.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12 year old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historic figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.)

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read alone.