In pursuit of the Green Lion

In this second of the Margaret of Ashbury trilogy, the majority of the action takes place in France. Margaret’s new husband, along with his father and brother, has been forced to go to war for his Duke. Father – mortally wounded- and brother return, but Gregory does not. When no message asking for ransom arrives, he is assumed to be dead. But Margaret knows he is not, and that she must rescue him. She sets out with her dear friends Hilde and Brother Malachi. Malachi has his own reasons for accompanying her- he is an alchemist and has come into possession of a text written in Hebrew, which he cannot read. He is convinced it contains the last secret he needs- the Green Lion- to create the Philosopher’s Stone. Disguised as religious show more pilgrims, they set out.

Alchemy figures large in the tale. Not only does it provide a second impetus for Malachi, but it is one of the obsessions of mad Sieur d’Aigremont, who shows the pilgrims his, er, hospitality. One of the evilest characters I’ve read, the Sieur also seeks both the gold and the eternal life the Philosopher’s Stone can provide. Multiple threads weave together in his keep as many of them face death. But those events aren’t the end of their troubles- they still have to get back to England.

I think this is my favorite of the three. It has alchemy, ghosts, supernatural healing, noblemen good, evil and stupid, sham ladies and possibly Jesus. What’s not to like? show less

Margaret of Ashbury lost her first husband Master Kendall, and marries the scribe of her memoirs - Brother Gregory (now Gilbert). He is captured by the French, and ransomed to an evil, devil-worshipping duke. Margaret sets off to rescue him, pregnant with his son, bringing along Mother Hilde (the midwife and healer) and her husband Malachi (who is looking for the Elixir of life). The ghosts of Master Kendall, and Gregory's mother - the Weeping Lady, really add spice to this book. Margaret is an endearing character, and although this book was not as good as the first, it has made me eager to read the last.

I did not enjoy this as much as I did the first book in the series...things seemed to be a bit too pat, & some events somewhat unbelievable given the time period. I thought that Margaret had actually regressed from a fairly feisty, strong female protagonist, to one who caved to convention (read "male-dominated society") & could/would no longer stand up for herself.

Sequel to "A Vision Of Light". The year is 1356. Margaret of Ashbury has married Brother Gregory, now unfrocked and using his birth name Gilbert de Vilers. But Gilbert has gone off to fight in France and is now missing. Accompanied by her friends, she sets off in search of her husband and, incidentally, the Philosopher's Stone. Engaging, sweet, and humorous. A lovely story.

Medieval midwife who talks to God, rescues herself and her husband, and does minor miracles while scolding God and organizing things. Friends with alchemist/conman.

Sequel to A Vision of Light. Well written, good adventure and love story. I like all of her books.