Recent Reads

The last week or so I've managed to read two really good books. One historical, one contemporary.

The historical - The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick, and anyone who knows me, knows Ms Chadwick is a favourite of mine. I actually bought this book years ago, but soon afterwards learnt that it had a sequel, and until I buy the sequels I never read the first book, because there is nothing more frustrating than reading a good book and not being able to find the sequel. Anyway, the orginal The Wild Hunt sat on my shelf waiting be read, but I couldn't find the sequel, which is called Running Vixen.

However, last year, I found out that Ms Chadwick's publisher was going to re-issue The Wild Hunt and it's sequel and so I waited to buy the new issues, which I have!

The second book I read was Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde, a contemporary with chick lit appeal. I've only just found Ms Fforde's books and have enjoyed the two I've read so far. Paradise Fields is really engaging and fun. The characters are real and likable. I thoroughly forgot the world while reading this book! Bliss.

Here they are - hurry, go buy them!

THE WILD HUNT
'To save his inheritance, Guyon FitzMiles is forced into a marriage alliance with heiress Judith of Ravenstow. Judith too is a reluctant partner in this match, but in the turbulent political world of the late eleventh century they must co-operate or be destroyed. Winner of a Betty Trask Award for a best first novel.

It's not as if Nel hasn’t enough on her plate already: organising a farmers’ market in the picturesesque Paradise Fields and keeping track of her unnervingly beautiful teenage daughter – plus sorting out a houseful of animals – are quite enough to keep her busy. The last thing she needs is yet another complication in her life, but when her old frend Sir Gerald dies and his son, Pierce – accompanied by his glamorous American wife – takes possession of The Big House, it seems that preserving the Fields is not on his list of priorities.
Nel takes up arms determined to fight for the meadow and the market she loves. But whom can she trust? She’s pretty sure her friends Sacha and Vivian are on her side, but her sensible boyfriend Simon, an estate agent, is less encouraging. And then there’s Jake, the infuriating yet attractive stranger who kissed her under the mistletoe. Maybe she’s been a celibate widow for a little too long …

Elizabeth Chadwick's books.

I've enjoyed reading some great books in recent weeks. Two are written by Elizabeth Chadwick, The Time Of The Singing and Shields Of Pride. Both very well written with detailed plots and an excellent sense of the medieval period and superbly researched.

Time of The Singing blurb:

When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court in 1177 to settle a bitter inheritance dispute with his half-brothers, he encounters Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida is attracted to Roger and sees in him a chance of lasting security beyond the fickle dazzle of her current life. But her decision to marry Roger carries an agonising price. Roger's importance as a mainstay of the Angevin government puts an increasing strain on their marriage. Ida is deeply unhappy with the life she must live in his absence and grieves for her losses. Against a volatile political background, the gulf between Ida and Roger threatens to widen beyond crossing, especially when so many bridges have already been burned.

Shields Of Pride blurb:

The year is 1173. King Henry's efforts to crush his rebellious sons ignite bloody border skirmishes throughout the land. Yet it is a time of triumph for mercenary Josceline de Gael, bastard son of the king's most trusted ally. Victorious on the battlefield, de Gael suffers sweet defeat when his heart is conquered by the lovely Linnet de Montsorrel. But their love will find its greatest challenge as the torments of jealousy, suspicion, pride - and an enemy from beyond the grave - threaten all they hold dear.

Do yourself a favour and try some of Elizabeth Chadwick's books, which are all based on true people of medieval times. You won't be sorry!