The Running Vixen

Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society. It would be fair to say that it is a historical romance, but I feel that it will be equally enjoyable by both men and women. The Running Vixen is a sequel to The Wild Hunt, Elizabeth Chadwick's first novel and continues the tale of the Norman lords who occupy the Welsh border during the 12th century. Henry 1has secured the throne of England, but with the death of his only son his successor is in doubt. Henry fights to have his daughter Maud put forward as his heir but this is not a popular decision and he must try to convince the hostile barons who do not wish to have a female heir at any price . . . Since writing this book, Elizabeth Chadwick has become a successful and much read author. Her writing style has dare I say it become much earthier and are all the better for it. Women still make up a large part of her writings and why not, they are just as interesting, if not more so than the men.

What an incredible read! This is the second novel in a trilogy, that just doesn't slow down. It continues the story several years after "The Wild Hunt" left off, and Adam de Lacey and his "foster sister," Heulwen, have grown up. In the beginning Heulwen is recently widowed and he is recently returned home to the Welsh Marshes in 1126. Adam finds that he has fallen in hopelessly in love with her. Can he convince her that she should view him as a man grown and not consider him at all a brother in any way? Can he stop her betrothal to his mortal enemy? Read on and find out! The paths that they choose are harrowing and exciting, full of duels to the death, marriage under extenuating circumstances, court intrigue, all with the court of Henry I as the backdrop.This book is well written and keeps your attention, sometimes until the wee hours of the morning! I found several nail biting scenes that I just couldn't wait to find out the conclusions to. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading "The Leopard Unleashed" in this series. This book is out-of-print, but don't let that stop you from finding a copy of it, somehow. You won't be sorry!