The Dartington Bride

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 the mighty Queen Dowager, Catherine de Medici, and her quest for revenge.
The writing is pithy, profound, passionate - a poignant portrait of a brave woman at odds with a brutally cruel and jealous husband.

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.

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.

<i>The Dartington Bride</i> 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 ebook ARC!

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 character comes through in the novel; and the writing is intimate, so her story feels very personal and real. I was utterly gripped by her story and her voice, and the way I, as a reader, was brought into her life and faced her challenges alongside her. She was strong but she was also vulnerable, and she was a fighter, inspired by her fierce and admirable mother.

The Dartington Bride was crammed with history, from the French Wars of Religion to the court of Elizabeth I, and there were some familiar faces like Walter Raleigh. Though there was a lot of information about Tudor England and France to absorb, it never felt too much. This was partly as Griggs weaves the history into the plot, and it’s told through characters living in the moment.


This is such a skilful interpretation of a historical woman, woven from extensive research and a creative touch. This novel was bursting with history and humanity, and was utterly compelling from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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.

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 is willing to take her children to the battle lines where they witness the brutal, grim and ultimately futile reality of war. Roberda is married to English Gawen, a reluctant, youthful groom whose ambition is to shine in battle or to take on a successful expedition like other men in his wider family. 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, and the book covers a lot of events and families without becoming confusing. The descriptions of Dartington Hall, the dress, food and giving birth really interested me, my only feeling was that the writing could have been richer in the variety of language/vocabulary used, a lot of the women 'dimple' and 'grin' and 'hiss' and I prefer it when speech is written that I am not told how it was said/shouted/screeched/ hissed. That said, Roberda's voice changes from angry, frightened child to compassionate woman as the story progresses and although there are characters who behave badly, Griggs gives context for this which makes for a more compelling read. Thank you for an advanced copy, I look forward to reading more by this author.

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 between different time periods or other characters stories. I look forward to her next book.