The Dartington Bride

From the November 2024 issue of the Historical Novels Society Review

HNR Issue 110 (November 2024)

The Dartington Bride (Daughters of Devon)
WRITTEN BY ROSEMARY GRIGGS
REVIEW BY ANNA BELFRAGE

In 1559, the French king, Henri II, died of injuries incurred during a tournament. The person responsible for these injuries was Gabriel de Lorges, the future Count of Montgomery. At the time, the protagonist of The Dartington Bride, Gabriel’s daughter Roberda, was around six. For some weeks, her existence went topsy-turvy as the family awaited news as to her father’s fate.

Roberda’s childhood is filled with turmoil: while her father was pardoned for Henri II, he then embraces the cause of Protestantism, which effectively has his entire family …

Fascinating story

Net Galley Reviewer.

Incredibly fascinating story. well researched and written in a manner that kept me very entertained. I’m Im always very interested in reading how women’s life’s were in different time periods and this story really gave me a lot of insight. Highly recommend! Thanks netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Additional Questions:

Would you purchase this book for yourself or a friend? Yes
Will you recommend this book/author to your audience? Yes

Net Galley rEview via publisher

an excellent read

Goodreads reviewer

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 …

An enjoyable read

Rosie Lee - GoodReads review

This was a very enjoyable read from beginning to end

Original review Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6499232061

Historical fiction at its best

Abby S, Reviewer NetGalley Review

Historical fiction at its best well researched characters that come alive an interesting story line.I was drawn in from first to last page

Original review NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/book/343169

the way it was written was perfect

Kathryn M, Reviewer Net Galley Review

I really enjoyed this historical fiction book, it had everything that I was looking for and thought the description element worked with everything that I was hoping for. The characters felt like they were supposed to in this setting. I was hooked from the cover and thought the way it was written was perfect. I’m excited to read more from Rosemary Griggs and glad I read this.

Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/book/343169

An evocative and compelling first-person account from a woman's perspective

Tony Riches, Historical Fiction Author

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 …

An enthralling historical tale with a rich tapestry of drama and resilience

Katrina W, Reviewer

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 …

A very well researched novel

Mary H, Reviewer

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

Rosemary Griggs brings to life Elizabethan politics and reveals the complexity of being a woman in Tudor England without slowing down the story's pace,

Sophie A, Educator

This is the story of Lady Gabrielle Roberda Montgomery (Roberda), told to us by Roberda herself, which starts in France with 5 year old Roberda fleeing Paris with her family after her father was held responsible for the death of King Henri II of France. The French Civil Wars between the Huguenots and Catholics become a family affair for the young Roberda with her family's pride and ambition,battling against the enmity of the widowed, Queen Dowager, Catherine de Medici, and her quest for revenge for her husband's death. Roberda 's mother is fierce , determined and so driven that she …

An interesting read.

Jeanie R, Reviewer

The second book I've read by this author, I liked it better than the first. Set in my fav time period it's a interesting look at young French bride brought to England and eventually Devon. Her husband is a horrid man who treats her poorly and eventually tries to set her aside. More interestingis the story of the French Huguenots and their coming to England affter the St. Bartholomews Massacre in Paris. An interesting read.

Original review via Net Galley: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/catalog/book/343169

An extremely enjoyable book.

Douglas & Diane H, Reviewer

An extremely enjoyable book. Set during the Huguenot wars in France, the story follows the life of Roberda, the daughter of one of the leaders of the French Protestant army. She is married off into English protestant nobility and moves to Dartington. Broadly based on historical characters, the story follows Roberta's life from childhood to the breakdown of her marriage. The book was a joy to read flowing at a steady pace with enough details of the political intrigue at the time without getting bogged down. It was a pleasure to read a book that followed one timeline without jumping …

A riveting historical adventure

Cathie via Goodreads

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 …

“Historical Fiction at its Best!”

Fiona Patterson

Rosemary’s 2nd novel is a real page turner! A compelling story that begins in France at the time of the Religious Wars, and moves on to Devon; all from the perspective of Roberda, a high born strong and accomplished woman of her time.

Rosemary cleverly combines accurate historical narrative with some really brilliant storytelling, and her story, told through Roberta’s eyes, is pacey, compelling, often thrilling, and sometimes very moving.

Reading this book, I felt I too was immersed in the atmospheres and tensions in France, and at the apparently more peaceful Dartington Devon and England at the time of …

An extremely enjoyable book

Dido - Amazon reviewer

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2024
An extremely enjoyable book. Set during the Huguenot wars in France, the story follows the life of Roberda, the daughter of one of the leaders of the French Protestant army. She is married off into English protestant nobility and moves to Dartington. Broadly based on historical characters, the story follows Roberta's life from childhood to the breakdown of her marriage. The book was a joy to read flowing at a steady pace with enough details of the political intrigue at the time without getting bogged down. It was a pleasure to read …

Another brilliant novel by Rosemary Griggs

Heidi Malagisi

he 16th century was known for its dramatic changes in religious issues. None more so than during the late Tudor dynasty especially during the reign of Elizabeth I. However, France also saw the religious pendulum swing between Protestantism and Catholicism. Many families from all walks of life were caught in religious squabbles, like the Montgomery family. Lady Gabrielle Roberda Montgomery found herself in the middle of the drama and was forced to marry into a prominent Devon family in Elizabethan England, far from her native France. Roberda’s extraordinary story is told masterfully in Rosemary Griggs’ latest novel, “The Dartington Bride.”

Interesting storyline set in Tudor times.

Jean Roberts

A solid read. Interesting storyline set in Tudor times. I enjoyed learning more about the Huguenots of France and their plight. The MC was a little hard for me to like but I did enjoy her story.

Original review April 6, 2024 via Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208812537-the-dartington-bride

The Dartington Bride — a skilful interpretation of a historical woman, woven from extensive research and a creative touch.

Maddy McGlynn via NetGalley

I followed the author, Rosemary, on social media before I requested this advance copy. Rosemary had posted a stunning picture of Dartington Hall, and a little bit about the story of Isabeu, Countess of Montgomery and Rorberda who lived there. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know more, so was delighted when I had the opportunity to review The Dartington Bride.

I thought this was an unique, interesting and personal piece of historical fiction, that focuses on a woman who grows up surrounded by conflict, from growing up in war torn France to fighting for a doomed marriage.

Roberda’s …

a fascinating book which is inspired by true events.

Chloe via NetGalley

The Dartington Bride is a fascinating book which is inspired by true events. I have not read or watched much media surrounding this particular facet of the Elizabethan Era, so diving into that world kept me captivated!

It is horrifying how dreadfully some of those men acted; even more terrible is the fact that many of the instances described actually happened (or a variation did).

Rosemary Griggs is a great storyteller who transports you to her settings and into the characters' lives. I will be seeking out more of her works!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the …

The story of an honest and noble lady living during the turbulent reign of Elizabeth I.

Crimefictionfan via Amazon

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2024
Rosemary Griggs has created a fascinating niche within the historical fiction genre with her 'Daughters of Devon' series of novels. She focuses on the noble women now almost forgotten by the history books.
I found this story of Lady Gabrielle Roberda Montgomery particularly compelling. I was gripped from the very beginning when Roberda's father was held responsible for the death of King Henri II of France. The French Wars of Religion become a family affair for the young Roberda as she witnesses men with pride, ambition, and recklessness battle against the enmity of …