The Dartington Bride

This was an excellent read and the historical background has been extremely well researched. Set in Elizabethan England - and also in war-torn France, and including reference to the tragedy of the Huguenots - the story is compelling and I couldn't put it down. It's easy to think one would love to live in those times... but no! One wouldn't! What I particularly enjoyed in this book was the pace. At no point does the author linger and attempt to bore us with irrelevancies. I won a beautiful copy of 'The Dartington Bride" in a Goodreads draw, much to my surprise and delight, and it's one I will treasure. Five stars, and recommended to those who love historical novels based on true stories and set in the time of Elizabeth I. Would I read it again? Definitely! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6562557959?book_show_action=false

The novel opens with young Roberda's father's faux pas – he has killed the king of France, Henry II. Accidentally, of course, during a tournament that he took part in on his king's orders. But little did everyone know what dramatic change the coming years would bring, as Queen Dowager Catherine de Medici plots revenge... Roberda is five years young when her life changes dramatically: her family flees from Paris to their country manor in rural Normandy, and her father is exiled from court. When the young King Francis II dies shortly after, Catherine's hold over her younger son, now King Charles IX, is strong, and her quest for revenge remains her goal. In the midst of this, Roberda's father turns protestant, and becomes a leader of the Huguenots – setting himself opposite the royal family. The Wars of Religion ensue, with many areas across France affected by religious fervour on both sides. When Roberda is married to Gawen Champernowne, of Dartington Hall, it opens up a safe place for her, and for her family following the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre that swept across Paris, and soon beyond. She is happy to be married, but soon discovers that her husband doesn't seem to care much about her, or her involvement with French protestant refugees. Will there be happy end for Roberda at Dartington Hall? Find out in the novel! The Dartington Bride is a dramatic novel that sweeps you straight into the disastrous Wars of Religion. With Catholics pitted against emerging Protestants, peace seems elusive. There is a thread of a growing sense of unease and danger that runs through the novel. Told from Roberda's point of view, we grow up with her amidst the chaos and uncertainty. Gone is the happy, carefree childhood, and instead we have marital tensions (e.g. between her parents and in Roberda's own marriage...), with the religious troubles always in the background. Although I'm not a great fan of first-person narrative, I really liked the way Ms Griggs brought Roberda's thoughts and actions across. As a child, she is curious, inquisitive and stubborn, and even when she grows up, and beyond her wedding, she maintains her sense of determination. Roberda's mother, Isabeau, is a strong-willed lady of a noble lineage, who is also strongly involved in politics, and her father, Gabriel, is portrayed as a self-assured, confident Huguenot leader who – at times – seems to have more lives than a cat! The Dartington Bride is a riveting historical adventure – beautifully told, and with memorable characters who stay with you long after you finish reading about them – that has you turning the pages deep into the night. The sense of foreboding is palpable throughout, and we experience the tumultuous days of change, revenge, refuge, and opportunity first hand. Based on the true story of Roberda Montgomery, and exquisitely set at magnificent Dartington Hall in Devon – her married home and refuge for her outspoken Protestant family – The Dartington Bride highlights realistically the plight of the nobility, and of ordinary people, who were caught up in a war that would continue to haunt France and Tudor England for many years. A highly recommended read! Original review posted on Goodreads April 21, 2024 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6444927124?book_show_action=false

This second novel from Rosemary Griggs in her ‘Daughters of Devon’ series builds on her award-winning debut with the story of the life of Katherine Raleigh, 'A Woman of Noble Wit'. As with her first book, Rosemary Griggs has drawn from well-researched historical events and the people of Devon, England. Lady Gabrielle Montgomery, known by her family as Roberda, flees the religious wars of France for Dartington Hall in Devon, where each day presents new challenges. I particularly like the way Rosemary Griggs uses her experience as a guide at Dartington Hall to create an evocative and compelling first-person account from a woman's perspective. I enjoyed following Roberda's journey and the details of daily life in Elizabethan England. 'The Dartington Bride' is also a surprisingly topical exploration of the consequences of religious wars on innocent women, and the hardships faced by refugees. Highly recommended. Original review; Tony Riches Blog Spot: https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/2024/04/book-review-dartington-bride-by.html

If you're seeking an enthralling historical tale with a rich tapestry of drama and resilience, "The Dartington Bride" by Rosemary Griggs fits the bill perfectly. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century England and France, this novel delves into the life of Roberda, a headstrong French bride thrust into the heart of English nobility. Griggs paints a vivid picture of Roberda's journey from her tumultuous upbringing amidst the chaos of the French Wars of Religion to her hopeful arrival in England for marriage. As she faces the challenges of integrating into a skeptical household and winning over a disinterested husband, Roberda's compassion shines through as she aids fellow refugees and asserts her place in a foreign land. With its well-drawn characters, engaging plot twists, and immersive historical setting, "The Dartington Bride" offers a captivating glimpse into the sights, sounds, and tensions of Elizabethan England. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply crave a compelling read, this book is sure to keep you enthralled until the final page. Original review via NetGalley : https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/book/343169

A very well researched novel, particularly in dealing with the French Wars of Religion. Brilliant characters are very well drawn. I recommend the novel highly. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book. Original review via net galley: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/book/343169