Elizabeth Chadwick – författare

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times ''Stunning'' Barbara Erskine ***Elizabeth''s new novel TEMPLAR SILKS is OUT NOW in hardback, ebook and audio, and available to pre-order in paperback.*** ************************************Normandy, 1167 A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II''s formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne. However, being a royal favourite brings its share of conflict and envy as well as fame and reward. William''s influence over the volatile, fickle Prince Henry and his young wife is resented by less favoured courtiers who set about engineering his downfall. In a captivating blend of fact and fiction, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects one of England''s greatest forgotten heroes, restoring him to his rightful place at the apex of the Middle Ages.Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail ''Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable'' Barbara Erskine ''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home ''A sumptuous ride'' Daily Telegraph

William Marshal''s prowess and loyalty as a knight in the English royal household has been rewarded by marriage to Isabelle de Clare, heiress to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland.But their contentment and security is shattered when King Richard dies and is succeeded by his brother John, who takes the Marshals'' sons hostage and seizes their lands. Now William must face the conflict between remaining loyal or rebelling against these injustices - and the struggle threatens to tear his marriage apart. Fiercely intelligent and courageous, Isabelle too must come to terms with what the future holds . . .The Scarlet Lion is the final novel in an unforgettable standalone trilogy about William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England - and one of the country''s greatest forgotten heroes.

The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper - and royal servant John FitzGilbert is one of them. But when the old king dies and his successor is appointed, John''s position at court is weakened and his wife, the pious, pliant Aline, is hopelessly unequipped to deal with a life lived on the edge.John knows the only way to protect his lands and his children is to divorce Aline. He meets his match in new wife Sybilla, daughter of his enemy Patrick of Salisbury, as she possesses a strength and courage that equals his own. But when Sybilla''s son, William, is seized by the king, John is forced to make a terrible sacrifice. Sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word . . .

Thirteenth century France. Bridget has grown up mastering the mystical gifts of her ancestor, Mary Magdalene, whose unbroken female lineage has kept a legacy of wisdom alive for a thousand years. But the all-powerful Catholic Church has sworn to destroy Bridget for using her healing talents and supernatural abilities. Bridget''s duty to continue the bloodline leads her into the arms of Raoul de Montvallant - a Catholic. But when the Church''s savage religious intolerance causes Raoul to turn rebel, a terrible vengeance is exacted by Simon de Montfort, the unstoppable Catholic leader of a crusade against peaceful ''heretics''. As war rages on, it is the children of these passionate souls, Magda and Dominic, who must strive to preserve the ancient knowledge for future generations - and find the love and courage to endure...

The beloved second book in The Wild Hunt series: stunning historical detail, beguiling characters and superb storytelling. A forbidden love takes England to the brink of war...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, a devastated Adam absents himself on a diplomatic mission for King Henry I.When her husband 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, 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 . . .*Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick''An author who makes history come gloriously alive''The Times ''Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride''Daily Telegraph''Meticulous research and strong storytelling''Woman & Home

A King''s passion, a young man''s love - and a girl''s tragic choiceThe young Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at Henry II''s court to prove his worth and wrestle his inheritance from the arms of his half-brothers. While there, he encounters the pretty and gentle Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the King. A victim of Henry''s seduction and the mother of his son, Ida knows the fickle sparkle of her current life is beginning to fade, and sees in Roger a chance to escape her life of manipulation for security and affection. They begin a careful courtship, but the King''s anger soon catches them up. Forced into a corner, Ida''s decision will carry an agonising price.Based on a never-before-told true story, critically acclaimed author Elizabeth Chadwick brings the twelfth-century world blazing to life.

From acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Chadwick comes a story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel.The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal''s life changes dramatically when her father is suspected of treachery by King John. Her brothers become hostages and Mahelt is married to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. Adapting to her new life is hard, but Mahelt comes to love Hugh deeply; however, defying her father-in-law brings disgrace and heartbreak.When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods, Mahelt faces a heartbreaking battle, fearing neither she, nor her marriage, is likely to survive the outcome . . .Winner of the RNA Historical Novel Award 2011, TO DEFY A KING is magnificent in scope and detail, with characters that leap off the page - this is historical fiction at its finest.

Two very different women . . . Linked by destiny and a power struggle for the English crown.Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, is determined to win back her crown from Stephen, the usurper king, against all odds and despite all men. Adeliza, Henry''s widowed queen and Matilda''s stepmother, has always been on Matilda''s side but now she is married to William D''Albini, a warrior of the opposition. In a world where a man''s word is law, how can Adeliza obey her husband while supporting Matilda, the rightful queen?What does it cost to be ''Lady of the English''?

''Meticulous research and strong storytelling''Woman & Home The heart-pounding end to The Wild Hunt series: stunning historical detail, beguiling characters and superb storytelling. Renard, heir to Ravenstow, is a crusader far from the cold Welsh Marches of his birth. Summoned home to his ailing father, Renard brings Olwen with him, an exotic dancing girl. Yet, in a political match made by their families, Renard is already betrothed to the innocent Elene and he knows he is returning to the duty of marriage.Torn between Olwen and Elene, Renard''s personal struggle is set against a background of increasing civil strife as Ranulf of Chester, his greedy neighbour, strives to snatch his lands. When Renard is taken prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln, his fate is placed in the hands of the two women - his former mistress, now in the bed of his deadliest enemy, and his determined yet inexperienced wife, protecting his lands against terrible odds . . .*Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick''An author who makes history come gloriously alive''The Times ''Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride''Daily Telegraph

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive''The Times Elizabeth Chadwick''s bestselling, award-winning first novel, and the start of the beloved Wild Hunt series.In the wild, windswept Welsh marches a noble young lord rides homewards, embittered, angry and in danger. He is Guyon, lord of Ledworth, heir to threatened lands, husband-to-be of Judith of Ravenstow. Their union will save his territory - but they have yet to meet...For this is Wales at the turn of the twelfth century. Dynasties forge and fight, and behind the precarious throne of William Rufus, political intrigue is raging. Caught amidst the violence are Judith and Guyon, bound together yet poles apart. But when the full horror of war crashes over Guyon and Judith, they are forced to face insurmountable odds. Together...Winner of the Betty Trask Award*''Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride''Daily Telegraph''Meticulous research and strong storytelling''Woman & Home

When a comet appears in the sky over England in 1066, Ailith, a young Saxon wife, feels sure that it can only bode well, in spite of her husband''s fears. With a child on its way, the couple are prosperous and content. Yet, within a year, Ailith''s joy turns to heartache as her husband and her child are taken from her and the conquering Normans advance.Ailith''s grief turns to love for a brief period with Rolf de Brize, a handsome and womanising Norman invader. She bears him one daughter, but in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings she discovers a betrayal she cannot forgive . . . Years later, the spirited and strong-willed Julitta is determined to find happiness, and yet her life has been filled with pain: from surviving life in a brothel in Southwark to suffering the pain of a forbidden love and a bitter, loveless marriage. Her quest takes her on a Pilgrimage to Compostella to a colourful horse fair in Bordeaux, to the terrors of piracy on the open sea.

The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king, and his mother''s maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient art, Catrin agrees.But the midwife''s life is fraught with dangers, not least Oliver''s own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the couple''s lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her love and for her vocation.

Despite having signed the Magna Carta and made promises to mend his ways, there is still great dissatisfaction with King John''s rule. Among the rebellious nobles is young Nicholas de Caen. While fighting John''s troops, he is captured, but during the trip back to be questioned, the treacherous marshes cause trouble and Nicholas and King John''s treasure are both lost. Nicholas is injured and ends up at a nunnery where he is nursed by Miriel of Wisbech. News of the lost treasure comes to them and the nuns realise the young man they are looking after probably knows something about this...

A violent quarrel with the future King John destroys the young Fulke FitzWarin''s greatest ambition: to become Lord of the White Castle. Instead of accepting his fate, Fulke rebels. But the danger pursuing Fulke reaches new heights as he begins a passionate love affair with Maude Walter - the wealthy widow chosen by John himself.Negotiating a maze of deceit, treachery and shifting alliances, Fulke''s route to success is fraught. And when the turmoil of the Magna Carta rebellion combines with a shocking tragedy, everything Fulke has fought for is thrown into the path of destruction.

SPECIAL COLLECTOR''S EDITION: A ''Director''s Cut'' of one of Elizabeth Chadwick''s bestselling and best-loved novels.''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times''Stunning'' Barbara Erskine************************************Normandy, 1067 William of Normandy has returned home in triumph, fresh from defeating King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. He has been forced to bring with him a band of potentially treacherous English nobles, whom he cannot trust to leave behind.Waltheof of Huntingdon is one such man, but rebellion couldn''t be further form him mind. From the moment he catches sight of Judith, the daughter of the King William''s formidable sister, he knows he has found his future wife and it is clear the attraction is mutual.But love has little do to with marriage in medieval Europe, and it is up to William to decide if the match should go ahead. After all, would a match between a Saxon Earl and Norman Lady be without complications? Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail''Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable'' Barbara Erskine ''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home''A sumptuous ride'' Daily Telegraph

BRAND-NEW ''Director''s Cut'' edition of one of Elizabeth Chadwick''s bestselling and best-loved novels.

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times''Stunning'' Barbara Erskine

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The Port of Barfleur, 1120

Sabin FitzSimon, disgraced son of an earl, finally has the chance to salvage his reputation when renowned knight Edmund Strongfist asks Sabin to join a journey to Jerusalem. The only thing Sabin must promise is to keep away from Strongfist''s beautiful daughter, Annais. Sabin obeys, but his attraction to Annais''s spirit, courage and her wonderful harp playing become increasingly difficult to resist. As Sabin struggles to keep his heart in check, the Holy Land itself is in turmoil from constant warfare and the capture of its King. Simon must take command of the fortress of Montabard, and with it the recently widowed lady of the castle. . .Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail ''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home ''A sumptuous ride'' Daily Telegraph

An awkward misfit, nine-year-old Fulke FitzWarin leaves his family for the household of Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Once there, he begins to learn the knightly arts which he desperately hopes will free him from the shadows of his past.Joscelin''s youngest daughter, Hawise, befriends Fulke when he most needs it. But as the years pass, an enemy to Ludlow changes their friendship unalterably, forcing them onto opposite sides of a cruel divide.When the menace to Ludlow intensifies, Fulke must confront the future head on or fail on all counts, all the while desperate to know if Hawise stands with or against him.

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times ''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home ''A sumptuous ride'' Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph **********************Eleanor of Aquitaine A loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare.Eleanor of Aquitaine''s story is legendary. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over eight hundred years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive - until now. Based on the most up-to-date research, bestselling novelist Elizabeth Chadwick brings Eleanor''s magnificent story to life, as never before. Young, vibrant, privileged, Eleanor''s future is golden as the heiress to wealthy Aquitaine. But when her beloved father dies suddenly in the summer of 1137, her childhood ends abruptly. Forced to marry the young prince Louis of France, Eleanor is still struggling to adjust to her new role when Louis'' father dies and they become King and Queen of France. Leaving everything behind, the vivacious Eleanor must face the complex and faction-riddled French court. She is only 13. Overflowing with scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies, The Summer Queen is the first novel in a stunning trilogy from award-winning and much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick The next two books - The Winter Crown and The Autumn Throne - are available to buy NOW in paperback and ebook. Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail ''Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable'' Barbara Erskine ''Renowned historical novelist Chadwick tells this battle-of-the-sexes story from a woman''s point of view'' New York Post

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times ''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home ''A sumptuous ride'' Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph ********************** Eleanor of Aquitaine A loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare. 1154Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful women in Europe, is crowned queen of England beside her young husband Henry II. While Henry battles their enemies and lays his plans, Eleanor is an adept acting ruler and mother to their growing brood of children. But she yearns for more than this - if only Henry would listen. Instead, Henry pushes Eleanor to the sidelines, involving himself with a young mistress and denying Eleanor her rightful authority. As matters reach a crisis, Eleanor becomes caught up in a family rebellion. And even a queen must face the consequences of treason...Award-winning author Elizabeth Chadwick continues the fascinating story of a queen fighting for her rightful place in a world of divided loyalties and passionate betrayals. The first and last books in this trilogy - The Summer Queen and The Autumn Throne - are available to buy NOW in paperback and ebook. Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail ''Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable'' Barbara Erskine ''Renowned historical novelist Chadwick tells this battle-of-the-sexes story from a woman''s point of view'' New York Post

''An author who makes history come gloriously alive'' The Times''Meticulous research and strong storytelling'' Woman & Home ''A sumptuous ride'' Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph**********************Eleanor of AquitaineA loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare. Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright. Freed only by Henry''s death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry. Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride, and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters.Eleanor of Aquitaine''s powerful story is brought to a triumphant and beautiful close by much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick. The first two books - The Summer Queen and The Winter Crown - are available to buy NOW in paperback and ebook.Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick ''Enjoyable and sensuous'' Daily Mail ''Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable'' Barbara Erskine ''Renowned historical novelist Chadwick tells this battle-of-the-sexes story from a woman''s point of view'' New York Post