The story started off slow - the backdrop of the tourney circuit was interesting but got a bit monotonous for me, and what happened there was fairly predictable for the most part.

When the story did pick up though, there were certain developments that I did not expect (except for the happy ending obviously), and the changes of scenery kept it interesting.

The villains were completely evil through and through, yet there were reasons hinted at for them being this way. Some difficult subjects were tackled well (won't mention because spoilers), and the historical detail was immersive and just really interesting, as in all of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels. I was particularly fascinated by the descriptions of medieval birth control, and appreciated the author's note afterwards which expanded on this.

I have enjoyed all of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels so far, and while this isn't her best, it is still an excellent read and a cut way above most other medieval historical romances I've come across. ( )

I'm right into Elizabeth Chadwicks books at the moment and this was a very enjoyable read. ( )

This novel is set against the tournament circuits of the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Alexander de Montroi, an escapee from a brutal regime at Cranwell Priory, goes to his brother, a tourney knight. Eventually, he becomes a knight himself, eventually entering into the retinue of William Marshal. Meanwhile, Monday de Cerezay is the daughter of a tourney knight and seamstress. She and Alexander fall in love—with adverse results.

Once again, Elizabeth Chadwick gives us a wonderful rendering of the 12th century, combining romance with a wealth of historical detail that never bogs the story down. I was especially fascinated with the marriage scene, where Alexander and Monday’s son was legitimized. The reason why I love Chadwick’s novels so much is that she always manages to create a story that draws the reader in. Although the romance seems a bit pedestrian at times, it’s also a bit bittersweet; they don’t really realize how much they love each other until after they’ve parted ways. I found Monday’s motives for leaving a little perplexing, though. Still, the characters are such that you really find yourself involved in their story. There’s a nice blend of historical fact and fiction, which lends itself well to Alexander and Monday’s story. It's not my favorite Elizabeth Chadwick novel, but it's still very good. ( )

An absorbing read, detailed character description, well thought out plot right to the end of the book. Good sub-plots interwoven through book. The main characters Monday and Alexander proved they are human with infidelities like some of usl have today ( )

http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/2009/02/champion-by-elizabeth-chadwick.html ( )