* Whilst mediaeval England does battle against itself in the throes of civil war, a young midwife fights for her life in this hostile land.

The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king, and his mother's maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient art, Catrin agrees.

But the midwife's life is fraught with dangers, not least Oliver's own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the couple's lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her love and for her vocation.

"An author who makes history come gloriously alive" - THE TIMES

"One of Elizabeth Chadwick's strengths is her stunning grasp of historical detail...Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable" - BARBARA ERSKINE

"The best writer of mediaeval fiction currently around" - HISTORICAL NOVEL REVIEW

"The author blends authentic period detail with a modern convention for emotional drama" - MAIL ON SUNDAY