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Mistress of Dartington Hall is an engrossing read, full of tension – the Spanish, her family's fate, her estate – but also full of warmth, resourcefulness, and support from unexpected quarters. Roberda is a woman of her time, aware of her legal limitations, but not adverse to try anything she needs to keep her children, and the people of Dartington, safe.

Her husband, Gawen Champernowne, comes across as a sad, at times heartless character. He carries his insecurities like a badge, making life difficult for her, even after their reconciliation. His irresponsible, at times careless actions also lead to her nearly losing everything. (I don't want to give away any spoilers.)

But it is Roberda's sensibility that drives this story. Her hopes for her husband's affection, her eldest daughter, Lisabeth's continuing coldness towards her, her worry about family in France from whom she hears so little. She has much to cope with, despite the limitations of being a woman – and French at that!

At times, I thought her too reliant on others, and this is mentioned later in the novel, when she realises she has to forge her own destiny, or become lost. Her learning curve is steep, but she grows into a formidable woman who is not easily thwarted. And she still has friends.

Mistress of Dartington Hall is a moving, heart-wrenching read of a woman's struggles with an uncaring husband, having to face off vultures keen to send her packing. But Roberda is a survivor, and it's wonderful to see her find happiness she craved all her life, in the end. It was a hard road to get there...

The Dartington Bride and Mistress of Dartington Hall are well worth a read if you enjoy family history based on real events, set in turbulent Tudor times. I recommend reading the novels in order, to understand Roberda's decisions and actions. You will not be disappointed!

A compelling tale about a remarkable woman who defied all the odds. Highly recommended.

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