As a young man on crusade in medieval times Renard falls for feisty dancing girl Olwen and brings her back to England.

He sets her up in a cottage as his mistress because he must marry Elene, the girl he was betrothed to as a child.

As he finds himself falling in love with his arranged wife Renard faces growing danger grows from a neighbouring baron who covets his land. The clashes between these four are played out amidst the war between Matilda and nephew Steven for control of England.

This paperback is the final part of the trilogy that launched Chadwick's career, but can be read on its own.

Like all of Chadwick's novels it's an absorbing read blending romance and adventure.

David Knights