The Marriage Contract

by Sasha Butler

‘Once she had thought of them, their love, as a fortress that nothing, not giants nor dragons nor men with fists and minds of gore could tear down. She realises now, that their love is malleable, mouldable, breakable. As soft as dreams.’

Summer in Worcestershire, 1577. Eliza Litton, a talented artist, is in love with childhood friend, Francis. But her tyrannical father, who rules the household with insults and fists, has other ideas. As summer comes to an end, Francis vanishes after a drunken night at the inn and Eliza’s father forces her to marry a gentleman, Edmund.

Thrown into a new, unfamiliar life with her husband who appears distant and cold, Eliza cannot tear herself from the memory of Francis. Yet her feelings for Edmund soften with time; he presents a life to her better than she ever dreamed. He provides her a safety she never had beneath her father’s roof and encourages her to paint, to pursue the things she loves.

As she begins to fall for Edmund, Francis is adrift on his own voyage, doing all he can to survive, fixated on returning to Eliza.

But as Eliza grows closer to Edmund, she uncovers a deceit she never imagined, causing her to question her own loyalties and commit her own betrayals. After everything, who will Eliza be? And what choices will she make?

The Marriage Contract vividly portrays life in the precarious and unforgiving Elizabethan era, exploring love’s many forms; how we can betray the ones we love, and how we can find forgiveness; and explores a woman’s fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy.

Genres: Historical Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2025

Reviews

[Magdalena (magdal21) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction lovers: assemble! This is a must-read for you. The Marriage Contract is a tender, bittersweet, and emotionally powerful story set in the English Midlands during the Elizabethan era. It follows Eliza, the daughter of a yeoman, who is forced to marry a gentleman named Edmund – despite her affection for Francis, the blacksmith’s son and her childhood friend.

Although romantic love drives the plot, this novel is truly about the many shades of love – how it grows, how it transforms, how it feels different depending on whom we love, how we grieve its loss, and how our capacity to love evolves as we ourselves grow.

It’s also a quiet meditation on the hardships women faced in times when they were entirely dependent on male guardians. Eliza lives a relatively comfortable life as the daughter of a wealthy man, yet when it comes to choosing her own path, she has as little say as any woman of her time. The novel powerfully illustrates that in a world without female independence, suffering and heartbreak are almost inevitable.

What I really appreciated about this book is that it doesn’t rely on overly dramatic twists or grand declarations. Instead, the story unfolds with quiet intensity and emotional truth, grounded in the realities of 16th-century life. The characters’ desires, regrets, and sacrifices felt so real and intimate that I found myself completely immersed in their inner lives. The emotional impact broke my heart more than once. I cried more than once. And yet, despite all the sorrow, this story brought a deep, unexpected sense of comfort. It felt honest – not tidy or perfect, but very human and grounded in emotional realism.

I won’t be the first to say it, but what made this book especially memorable was the writing. It’s an exquisitely written novel. Every sentence feels deliberately crafted, with a lyrical elegance that draws you into the texture of the time and place, yet never overshadows the story. The author has an extraordinary gift for conveying complex emotions with subtlety and precision – transforming even the quietest moments into something resonant and beautiful. Literarily, it’s a feast: rich, evocative, and deeply affecting.

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of the genre, especially fans of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. I’m excited to see what Sasha Butler writes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Salt Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Marriage Contract’ is Sasha Butler’s debut novel and I am surprised that despite being sort listed for a couple of awards in 2022, it has only just been published.

This is an emotive story that unfolds against the background of the first Elizabethan era in England. The protagonist is Eliza a young girl forced into a marriage she does not want because she loves another man. Her ambitious and unpleasant Yeoman father is determined that she will marry well. An intense and emotional read grounded in the reality of life in the 16C.

With well formed characters and flowing prose one wonders if the author is going to become a popular new voice in Historical Fiction. We shall have to wait and see, meanwhile recommended to fans of this genre.

With thanks to NetGalley, Salt Publishers and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

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[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A richly detailed historical novel, beautifully written with descriptions that conjure such vivid images for the reader that you feel as though you are there, treading in the characters’ footsteps. The story is stark and raw, real in a way that has you holding your breath, showing all of life’s joys and cruelties without sugar-coating. Love, painful and wonderful in turn, as well as the devastation of loss and grief. And a woman’s struggle for some measure of freedom at a time when females had no autonomy. There is very little in the way of Tudor politics, which is great – I much prefer a story that focuses on the characters and their daily, ordinary lives at the time. Also, although the heroine marries a gentleman, she doesn’t inhabit the claustrophobic world of the Tudor court. Instead, apart from a brief visit to London, the setting is the countryside in all its glory. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

[Shutki Crew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Contract by Sasha Butler is a beautifully written and heartfelt historical romance set in 1577. I was surprised by how easy it was to read considering the time period, and the writing really brings the world to life.

I loved Eliza’s mum and found all the characters likeable and real. There are some sad moments that capture the tough realities of life back then, but it never feels overly heavy. The story moves a bit slowly at first, with the wedding happening around 32% in, but it really picks up after that.

I wasn’t that into Francis’s time at sea, but once the focus shifted back to Eliza, I couldn’t put it down. Butler has a lovely way of writing that feels poetic without being too much, and she balances romance with the real struggles of the time.

A warm, emotional, and engaging read. Perfect if you enjoy historical romance with strong characters and a bit of heartache mixed in.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Jacki van de Schoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage Contract is a beautifully written novel full of emotional depth. I absolutely LOVED it.
I was drawn in immediately, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I love a good historical fiction read, and The Marriage Contract is one of the best I've read in a while.

I loved that it was told from Francis, Edmund, and Eliza's point of view. They were all interesting, charismatic, and complex characters. I felt for all three of them.
Sasha is an exceptionally talented author, I really enjoyed her writing style. It was beautifully descriptive and atmospheric. The Marriage Contract is the first book I've read from her, but it definitely won't be the last.

I highly recommend.

4.5 stars from me.

Thanks to Netgalley, Salt Publishing, and Sasha Butler for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this achingly beautiful story, loving every word and willing Eliza on. The writing is beautiful, the settings atmospheric, the history authentic, and the wonderful characters will remain with me. Without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly written, deeply emotional historical fiction that closes the gap between now and the 16th century. From the first pages I was immersed in Eliza’s world—the sights, sounds, smells, her tightly held hopes and dreams that fracture and then remake themselves. A novel about growth, change, creativity, found families and love in all its guises. Amazing debut.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This a beautiful, evocative tale set in the Elizabethan Era. It’s essentially a story of forbidden love, family, duty, loyalty and the woman’s place in Elizabethan society, often dictated by the marriage one finds oneself contractually within.

My one small criticism is that the scaffolding of the ‘story’ itself, felt quite familiar and a little unoriginal, but the lyrical quality of the writing and exquisite characterisation made up for it wholly. It was a very enjoyable read and one which I found hard to put down. I will certainly look forward to reading Sash Butler’s future work.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasha Butler’s The Marriage Contract immerses readers in the raw and gritty reality of Elizabethan England. Unlike picture-perfect historical depictions, this novel focuses on the grim realities of the era. At the heart of the story is Eliza Litton, a talented artist determined to carve out a space for herself despite societal constraints.

Eliza Litton, a talented artist in The Marriage Contract, strives for creativity and independence in a patriarchal Elizabethan world. Forced by her violent father into marriage with Edmund, a seemingly cold gentleman who later shows unexpected support, Eliza is torn between her past love, Francis, who disappears after a drunken night, but fights to return. This tangled relationship, shaped by love, betrayal, and control, drives Eliza’s transformation from a trapped girl to a woman claiming her own agency. Edmund’s evolving kindness and Francis’s lingering influence add emotional depth and tension, making the characters’ interactions central to the story’s themes of resilience, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Butler bravely addresses issues such as abuse, control, and patriarchal structures, echoing concerns still relevant today. The quest for personal expression and freedom underpins Eliza’s journey, as does love in its many forms, including betrayal and forgiveness.

Butler masterfully transports readers to Elizabethan London through vivid descriptions that avoid bogging down the narrative with excessive historical detail. The alternating viewpoints of Eliza and Francis add depth and maintain emotional engagement, striking a balance between realism and accessibility.

While the narrative may slow down during detailed descriptions of scenery, these moments contribute to the reader’s sense of confinement alongside Eliza, enhancing empathy for her struggles. This pacing choice amplifies the emotional investment in her journey.

Focusing on everyday individuals instead of royalty or nobility provides a fresh perspective. Butler highlights the resilience of ordinary women battling for freedom in a repressive society, offering an intimate and relatable story that sets it apart from typical Tudor-era narratives.

The novel’s intense atmosphere captures an interplay of danger, hope, and love, with characters like Eliza and Edmund navigating a challenging landscape to find happiness. The Marriage Contract resonates with readers due to its honest portrayal of personal struggles and the pursuit of self-determination.

[Fe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Elizabethan England, a woman artist struggles with her softening feelings for a husband she was forced to marry and the memory of a lover who vanished.

I don't read much historical romance (I tend to read historical horror or mystery), but I saw a snippet of the story through a novel competition the author had shortlisted and was drawn in by her writing. The story is very beautifully written, and the character Eliza pulled me in. I did guess the big reveal early on, but it didn’t lessen my eagerness to keep reading at all. Very well done!!

Thanks to Salt Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage Contract is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long time, I felt as though I’d stepped through the pages into the Elizabethan era.

The story is a classic, it follows Eliza, a young girl in love with Francis - her childhood friend and a labourer working on her father’s land and tells the tale of what happens when the two are forced to be separated. Despite being fairly privileged, Eliza’s life is not smooth sailing but at the heart of the story is a talented girl who loves fiercely.

I honestly could not put this book down, I felt as through I was tripping over myself to absorb as many details as possible. The final few chapters are incredibly emotional and truly show the incredible bonds of female friendship and love. I was reminded of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell as I read and I truly hope The Marriage Contract receives the same amount of love, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time and I will certainly be recommending it.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Salt Publishing for the ARC

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written and I found I couldn’t stop highlighting the countless lyrical descriptions that made me stop and go “wow, that is beautiful”. I felt immersed in the world and the book was very atmospheric, it reminded me of reading some of my favourite classics. I would only have liked to have a few more references that were specific to the time period, perhaps more description about the food or buildings to really put me in 16th century England (but that is just my preference!).

There was one POV that I didn’t enjoy as much as the others but I enjoyed the story and characters on the whole. Overall, this was a lush reading experience that often made me feel like I was in the British countryside on a foggy day (which is a good thing!) and I would recommend this to any fellow lovers of historical fiction and romantic stories that feel real.

Thank you to Salt Publishing and Netgalley for access to this beautiful eARC.

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Salt Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is a story of love in all its form from tender first love, parental, maternal, sibling, friendship and a deep love that is born from the depths of loneliness. It’s told from a time of when woman were treated like chattel as property and unable to make automatous decisions. The book is set in the Elizabethan era in 1577 and follows the story of Eliza who likes to draw and is in love with Francis, her childhood friend and a labourer. Eliza’s cruel father forces her to marry a gentleman Edmund, while Francis is cast adrift at sea fighting his way back to her. Meanwhile Eliza and Edmund draw closer.

I enjoyed this book, it was very different from others books I’d read, it was a touching emotional read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, from the first page the authors writing sucked me and I felt for all of Eliza’s struggles. An emotional heart warming read.

[Josh Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told tale following Eliza on her meandering journey through the ebb & flow of life in Elizabethan England.

Masterfully researched. Beautifully imagined character relationships and vivid scene-setting. You feel transported back to 1577 within the flick of the opening pages.

Already, I am eagerly anticipating what Sasha will write for us next.

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theres so many things i could compare this to but my hopeless romantic heart is overwhelming my brain with too many emotions to think properly. This is a book that will have you cheering for your favorite man worse than you would when watching a season of the gilmore girls. FANTASTIC! well done and i cant get enough.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza and Francis, are childhood sweethearts, they dream of a life together however, Eliza’s abusive and controlling father has very different plans for his daughter and marriage to a blacksmith’s son is never going to happen. Setting his sights on a far grander match for his only daughter, Eliza has no choice but to obey her father’s wishes and so enters into a marriage contract with Edmund Cecil, a young man of means who has a gentle nature, and a lifetime of secrets of his own.

Delicately written, and with a quiet lyricism, The Marriage Contract brings Elizabethan England to life, from the rather forlorn wattle and daub house of Eliza’s childhood in rural Worcestershire, to her much grander moted marital home at Cecil Hall in Warwickshire, every part of the story flowed beautifully. I absorbed every word, went back to passages I found so beautifully written that I needed to re-read them and, in reading, I sensed a much older world around me, one that was filled with love, but overshadowed by grief and the hint of angry betrayal. Immersed in Eliza’s life I allowed her sorrow to consume me, noticed her small moments of triumph, and watched as she began to unburden her sadness, blossoming in a way that she could never have imagined when once she ran free, with Francis, in the fields around her childhood home. And what of Francis, well therein lies a another tale of loss and heartbreak, adrift and alone, he dreams of what might have been.

Bittersweet and utterly beautiful, The Marriage Contract is an exceptional debut novel from a talented writer whose love for storytelling shines with every carefully considered word. It is one of the best books I have read this year.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marriage Contract is a story of forbidden love and self-suppression set in Elizabethan England. Eliza’s comparatively comfortable lifestyle as a yeoman’s daughter is dominated by her father’s violence and control which extends to all those in his household and to his farm labourers. As her father’s thoughts turn to securing his elevation in society, Eliza’s hopes of a happier, safer future are compromised by her duty to marry well.

The tension in this novel was palpable and I read it with a sense of impending doom. The story of finding a second chance at happiness only to discover one’s first love has returned is a well-used plot idea, though this novel stands out because of the infusion of historical detail about life in the Elizabethan period. The incorporation of well-known events of the era, such as Francis Drake’s expeditions and the burning of religious relics to usher in Protestantism, enhanced the historical depth of the novel.

Butler wrote convincingly about the profound impact of first love and how it can shape future relationships. Eliza’s fate was determined by men and was, arguably, never her own to choose. Yet when given the opportunity to grow and flourish, she could not shift an underlying sense of betrayal to her first love. Throughout the novel, I hoped that Eliza would find a sense of contentment and peace and remained unsure about how events would unfold right up until the final chapters.

I recommend this well-written novel to readers of historical fiction, particularly those who have enjoyed Maggie O’Farrell’s writing. Thank you to Salt Publishing and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

[Katerina Karavapori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite often struggle with historical fiction BUT this is one of those books that provokes such an emotive and immersive reading experience and ultimately is a story about the human experience which transcends time and place. Having said that, it was a masterful portrayal of Elizabethan England and especially the place of women in society at the time.
The prose is beautiful and the characters brilliantly fleshed out. You go through the butterflies of first love and loss with Eliza, her strenuous relationship with her father, her mother who could do nothing but love her children fiercely and who did everything to ensure she brakes the generational cycle for them, the beautiful bond with her brother due to their traumatic upbringing, her slow but strong love for Edmund and her multifaceted friendship with Annabel.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it was truly a beautiful story and there were many times I had to take a deep breath and have a little cry. I was fully invested from page 1 and Eliza's story resonated deeply with me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Beth FK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book and devoured it in one rainy weekend - what bliss. It’s the story of an ordinary enough young Elizabethan woman, one who lives in the shadow of her violent and controlling father, but whose life is full of beauty and creativity and love, nonetheless. The writing is absolutely stunning, I can’t praise it highly enough. The central character - Eliza Litton - feels so believable, both because of the clear, precise way the small details of her world are conveyed, but also because of her interiority, and the subtle evolution of her psychology. Eliza loves two men - the first is the passion of her youth, while the second is a more mature, slower-burn deep affection between equals. I found the depiction of both to be convincing and moving. I also loved the way Eliza is shown to step into her creativity when she finds safety and new freedom - in a way that was rare for women at the time, but that chimes for us now. I’m now planning on gifting this book at Christmas to a few different people - it’s an absolute gem and deserves a wide audience.

[A L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel captures all the complexities of sibling love and sibling rivalry, particularly during the teenage years.
The age old question arises - do parents have a favourite child?
Alex, Nancy and Eva are at their mother's 70th birthday party, where all the family are gathered. An incident occurs and the sisters begin to question whether their father has a favourite daughter.
The author uses childhood flashbacks to draw out each sister's character.
Plenty of dramas, plenty of falling out amongst the sisters, yet the bond is always there.
A great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha Butler's beautiful, lyrical narrative style flows consistently through this historical novel set in UK's Midlands. Love, family, hope and conflict are finely handled, and the tropes of family dispute are set against a tender love story and are smoothly woven narrative elements. What Butler does well is capture an evocative sense of time and place whilst at the same time creating characters who are believable and worth caring about. An impressive novel.

Grateful thanks @saltpublishing and @netgalley for the ARC.

[Darrel Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a debut.
The prose is sharp and concise, and the narrative is intimate and winding. You get to know Eliza's thoughts intimately and consistently, which adds to the tension during moments of acute pain and reluctant hope.
The pain from empathy knowing that in this Elizabethan era, women from somewhat prominent family were property and the hope that one would have a say in who she can love and lead her own life.
The writer has crafted a wonderfully bittersweet tale of love and hope in the face of patriarchal oppression that really flies off the page. Stellar work.

[Jo Rawlins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Interesting plot. Reminded me quite a lot of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, although the latter was much more accomplished. The writing felt clunky in places and descriptions overdone. There was quite a lot of jumping around that gave a disjointed impression.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this review copy. As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed this tender and gentle novel covering love, acceptance and hardship. The writing is intricate and although there are no surprises, it is a good satisfying read.

[Rachel Broughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Really enjoyed this. beautiful, unexpected writing. a complex exploration of the way that first love, marriage and enduring friendships form us into resilient people.

[Helen Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love letter to the Warwickshire and Worcestershire countryside with a twisting turning story running alongside. The descriptions of England in the 1570s were the perfect backdrop for Eliza's story.

[Lucy Waverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read descriptions as beautifully written as those that flicker through this Elizabethan-era story of love, escape, art, and growth: from the depiction of the land and its rhythms, to the details of the characters’ surroundings and their daily lives - from the comforting and commonplace to the passionate and the heartrending. They made this a delight.

Set in the English Midlands in the late 16th century, the novel follows Eliza, a Worcestershire yeoman farmer’s daughter, whose violently ambitious father is determined to climb the social ladder by forcing her to marry a gentleman. But - as so often happens - she falls for someone else. And - as happens just as often - the course of love (true or otherwise) does not run smooth.

What emerges is a quietly contemplative and tender exploration of some heavy themes and conflicts, in which dark shadows are matched by golden glimmers of hope.

Highly recommended for fans of thoughtful historical fiction with a gorgeous sense of place, and a look at Elizabethan England in which the lives of ordinary people aren’t eclipsed by the A-list courtiers.

Big thanks to @saltpublishing and @netgalley for the review copy.