by Elizabeth Chadwick
Publication Date: September 1, 2011
Sourcebooks Publishing
544p
SYNOPSIS
Matilda, daughter of Henry I, knows that there are those who will not
accept her as England's queen when her father dies. But the men who
support her rival Stephen do not know the iron will that drives her.
Adeliza,
Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to a
warrior who fights to keep Matilda off the throne. But Adeliza, born
with a strength that can sustain her through heartrending pain, knows
that the crown belongs to a woman this time.
In the anarchy, in a world where a man's word is law, how can Adeliza obey her husband while supporting Matilda?
How long can Matilda fight for the throne that she has struggled so bitterly to win?
REVIEW
No one does medieval historical fiction quite like Elizabeth Chadwick, and her latest novel, Lady of the English is just one more example of her enormous talent for bringing the past to life!
Matilda has just returned to England after the death of husband, the German Emperor and is welcomed by her father, King Henry I and his wife, Adeliza. The two women become fast friends and a true companionship begins. Before King Henry’s death he makes his noblemen pledge their allegiance to his daughter Matilda as heir, but when the time comes they defy his wishes and her cousin Stephen assumes the throne. Matilda won’t back down without a fight and that’s exactly what she gives him. Factions soon form and the battle is on. Poor Adeliza is caught in the middle of the two sides as her new husband is fighting for Stephen. Adeliza knows that Matilda is the rightful ruler of England, but she loves her husband and wants to be loyal to both.
The characters of Matilda and Adeliza were portrayed wonderfully and Chadwick gives the reader such insight into each woman that when you finish the book you feel as if you’re saying goodbye to a friend. Chadwick’s impeccable research and knowledge of the medieval time period is, as always, very evident and her use of Akashic Records makes her novels that much more so and gives her that extra edge. I cannot recommend Elizabeth Chadwick novels enough, if you haven’t checked her out yet you are really missing out!
*Come back tomorrow for a guest post by the wonderful Elizabeth Chadwick and a giveaway of her fabulicious novel, Lady of the English!
REVIEW
No one does medieval historical fiction quite like Elizabeth Chadwick, and her latest novel, Lady of the English is just one more example of her enormous talent for bringing the past to life!
Matilda has just returned to England after the death of husband, the German Emperor and is welcomed by her father, King Henry I and his wife, Adeliza. The two women become fast friends and a true companionship begins. Before King Henry’s death he makes his noblemen pledge their allegiance to his daughter Matilda as heir, but when the time comes they defy his wishes and her cousin Stephen assumes the throne. Matilda won’t back down without a fight and that’s exactly what she gives him. Factions soon form and the battle is on. Poor Adeliza is caught in the middle of the two sides as her new husband is fighting for Stephen. Adeliza knows that Matilda is the rightful ruler of England, but she loves her husband and wants to be loyal to both.
The characters of Matilda and Adeliza were portrayed wonderfully and Chadwick gives the reader such insight into each woman that when you finish the book you feel as if you’re saying goodbye to a friend. Chadwick’s impeccable research and knowledge of the medieval time period is, as always, very evident and her use of Akashic Records makes her novels that much more so and gives her that extra edge. I cannot recommend Elizabeth Chadwick novels enough, if you haven’t checked her out yet you are really missing out!
*Come back tomorrow for a guest post by the wonderful Elizabeth Chadwick and a giveaway of her fabulicious novel, Lady of the English!
For more information, please visit Elizabeth Chadwick's WEBSITE.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.
I have this on my TBR. I really want to read it at some point.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great synopsis, Amy. This is one I certainly want to read. Being pulled between friendship and family never changes. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to get a copy of this novel along with 2 other of Elizabeth Chadwick's.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it.
carol
I can't wait to read Lady of the English. Not sure how I feel about the Akashic Records tho..would like to learn more about it
ReplyDeletedeniseincoralsprings@gmail.com
I'm reading this one now. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love your review, Amy! Matilda sounds like an especially interesting wommman and one I'd love to know. I feel so for Adeliza and the position she's in, what a tough decision. I really want to know what happens in the book!
ReplyDelete