Very easy to read, engaging plotline, but not exceptional. ( )

(8/10) This follows on nicely from the first book in the Ravenstow trilogy and I really enjoyed it. It does go off on a completely different angle from the first which I found a nice change of pace. The two main characters are both a lot older and worldly wise when they get together (scandalous for the the time, the scene in the rented house made me chuckle)! I felt the connection between the characters and did spend a lot of time willing them to get over themselves and just get together already!

One thing I really liked about this was the revisiting of some of the older characters from book one, particularly Miles, always likable and a nice voice of reason for the two stubborn leads.

For historical context this is again light, the focus is much more on the love story here. Not a bad thing at all I found it immensely enjoyable and a strong follow up to EC's first novel. ( )

The Running Vixen, the second novel in Elizabeth Chadwick's Ravenstow Trilogy, follows the lives and loves of Adam de Lacey and Heulwen, daughter of a Welsh Marcher lord. Raised together, Adam has always loved Heulwen. But Heulwen, who has never thought of Adam as anything more than her foster-brother, marries another man. In an attempt to forget about Heulwen, Adam leaves Ravenstow and enters into the service of King Henry I. The novel opens with Adam's return to the Welsh Marches, where he finds Heulwen recently widowed and vows to win her over. While Adam's return raises feelings in Heulwen she didn't know she had, she is determined not to let her heart rule her decision on whom to marry. Will Adam win her hand, or will Heulwen make a marriage match purely for political purposes?

Set against the backdrop of an England on the verge of political upheaval with the naming of Empress Matilda as Henry I's heir, The Running Vixen is, at its heart, a love story. But this is not a straight forward love story - Adam and Heulwen's relationship is complex, and their path to love and happiness is not an easy one. As is usual with her novels, Chadwick has once again crafted a strong storyline that is rich in historical detail and features a strong cast of characters. While I would have preferred a more emphasis on the politics that characterized the period in English history in which this novel is set, it didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Although this novel stands well on its own, I do recommend reading The Wild Hunt, the first book in the Ravenstow trilogy, prior to this one given it provides background on many of the key characters in this novel.

Recommended for readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the medieval period.
( )

Another home run for Elizabeth Chadwick. She's one of the very few authors I've encountered that can seamlessly transport her readers to the place and time she writes about. She makes them smell the herbs as the characters walk across the rush floors, breathe the damp air of Wales, see the shine of silks and banners of war, and hear the clop of horse hooves and rustle of chainmail of knights. You literally experience the book, not just read it.

Her characters in this book are also just as engaging as her other volumes. The medieval world is shown in all its glory through their experiences, triumphs and horrors together. I felt very drawn to her main hero and heroine. Their journey to love was very hard; only at the end, I felt, did the light bulb go over their heads and they were able to overcome all obstacles to achieve harmony. I really liked how respectful Adam was to Heulwen through the hard experiences towards the end. I think it was his understanding and support that got her through those horrible events. All together, their love story was beautiful and I enjoyed it immensely. ( )

One of her earlier works, The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick is set during the closing days of the rule of Henry I in 1126. As his legitimate male heirs have died, he recalls his recently widowed daughter, Matilda home from Europe with the purpose of naming her the successor to the throne. Calling all his barons together and forcing them to swear allegiance to her is no guarantee that some are not developing plans to place another on the throne.

Amongst this political upheaval, the author weaves her story about Adam de Lacey returning home from self-exile in France to face both the people who love him and the woman whom he loves still, even though she had chosen to wed another. Arriving home to find her a widow, but in the midst of planning on wedding another, Adam knows he must make his move if he wishes to win this women who insists on thinking of him as a brother.

Elizabeth Chadwick excels at breathing life into historical fiction, including small details of everyday medieval life from clothing and food to weaponry and horses. Her characters, both the real and the imagined are well drawn and accurate to the times. This book is the second in her trilogy set in the borderlands known as the Welsh Marshes and I am looking forward to reading the closing volume of the trilogy ( )