I'm so glad to have discovered Elizabeth Chadwick. Her novel, SHADOWS AND STRONGHOLDS delivers a vivid view of life in mediaeval England. The story centers on Brunin FitzWarin, the quiet son of a lord, as he grows from squire to knight, but the plot encompasses the larger conflicts and dangers of a divided kingdom.

Ten-year-old Brunin, long cowed by his bitter and controlling grandmother, is sent to the de Dinan keep to serve as a squire. His father hopes his good friend can bring out the best in Brunin. De Dinan and his family provide the support and the skills Brunin needs, but he can only find the courage within himself.

Chadwick's rich descriptions make it easy to picture life in 12th century England, a country divided by a struggle over the monarchy. For Brunin, the conflict means a constant battle over who has the right to the castle and lands where he grew up. Every character is crisply defined, from Brunin's mild mother, to a rival lord's squires who delight in tormenting the boy, to the diversity of the de Dinan daughters.

SHADOWS AND STRONGHOLDS is a real gem for readers who enjoy historical novels and romances.