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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 Queen Elizabeth 1.

I was able to learn and experience too what it might have been like to be a Huguenot in war torn France at this time - Rosemary’s “spirit of place” is rather wonderful. I loved this book!

Anyone who enjoys a good story, is interested in “hearing” and learning about what it was like, as a woman in particular, to live in the 16thC, an often turbulent and very different time, then like me you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Original review posted to Waterstone's website 18 April 2024

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