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The Bride Stone
AN ESTATE ON THE LINE
1796. Duval Harlington, recently released from prison in France, is on his way home. Memories of the tranquil family estate kept his spirits high through his worst days in La Force, so it is no small sorrow to return and find Muchmore thrown into chaos. His despicable father, he learns, has died. And while he has left the estate to Duval, there is one small stipulation: he must be married, or else lose everything.
A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
With only two days and seven hours to find a wife, devoted bachelor Duval is prepared to walk away. But then he stumbles upon a wife sale. With women being bought and sold like chattels, Duval is horrified by what he sees. Until he lays eyes on one intriguing figure.
A BRIDE WITH A HIDDEN PAST
Duval makes an extravagant bid, and he and Edmée are married with minutes to spare. But little does Duval know, this is only the beginning of his troubles. For Edmée is not who she says she is, and her secrets will soon threaten to dismantle everything he holds dear.
1796. Duval Harlington, recently released from prison in France, is on his way home. Memories of the tranquil family estate kept his spirits high through his worst days in La Force, so it is no small sorrow to return and find Muchmore thrown into chaos. His despicable father, he learns, has died. And while he has left the estate to Duval, there is one small stipulation: he must be married, or else lose everything.
A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
With only two days and seven hours to find a wife, devoted bachelor Duval is prepared to walk away. But then he stumbles upon a wife sale. With women being bought and sold like chattels, Duval is horrified by what he sees. Until he lays eyes on one intriguing figure.
A BRIDE WITH A HIDDEN PAST
Duval makes an extravagant bid, and he and Edmée are married with minutes to spare. But little does Duval know, this is only the beginning of his troubles. For Edmée is not who she says she is, and her secrets will soon threaten to dismantle everything he holds dear.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
22 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Sally Gardner
116 books631 followersAKA Wray Delaney
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 30, 2025
"I am in a predicament. I will lose my inheritance if I don't marry before seven o'clock today."
A tale set in 18th-century England, told with a light touch and a dash of romance (though the story occasionally goes to some bleak places). I think it would appeal to fans of Frances Quinn and Mary Hoffman.
My favourite snippet was the character Edmée's dream about the French Revolution, which was spine-tingling/spine-chilling: "A woman in a red bonnet of liberty sells petticoats. They hang around her, billowing like ghostly flags. These undergarments have outlived the ladies who once wore them. Cottons, silks and the finest linen - all have found equality here. None too clean, the sad flags flutter in the breeze..."
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
A tale set in 18th-century England, told with a light touch and a dash of romance (though the story occasionally goes to some bleak places). I think it would appeal to fans of Frances Quinn and Mary Hoffman.
My favourite snippet was the character Edmée's dream about the French Revolution, which was spine-tingling/spine-chilling: "A woman in a red bonnet of liberty sells petticoats. They hang around her, billowing like ghostly flags. These undergarments have outlived the ladies who once wore them. Cottons, silks and the finest linen - all have found equality here. None too clean, the sad flags flutter in the breeze..."
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
June 16, 2025
1796.
An estate on the line.
A marriage of convenience.
A bride with a hidden past….
Duval Harlington, recently released from the squalor of a French prison, is finally on his way home.
His father has shuffled off his mortal coil, Duval must reach the estate, Muchmore House, by the following evening should he wish to inherit what is rightfully his, something that has been promised to him for as long as he can remember. If only it were to be as simple as showing up and being seen.
The inheritance is caged within another condition, layered away behind an absurd whim of his father: should Duval wish to inherit anything, he must also be married - a seemingly insurmountable task in such a minuscule timeframe that is left to him.
But, ask luck would have it(or perhaps the devil may just like some fun) he stumbles upon a wife sale and running out of options quicker than a lush with gin, he makes a bid for young widow, Edmée Hyde.
Before the tick of the clock can wipe away any chance of success, the pair are married and Duval is relieved that this whole silly business can be put behind him. Yet he soon learns all may not be over as parasitic relatives dig their claws in determined to dethrone him from his prospects by any means deemed necessary or even unorthodox and Edmée harbours her own fair share of hindering secrets which if Duval is careless could see him not just lose his new-found fortune, but also someone who he grows to not only care for but perhaps also love.
The pair must work out what truly matters, the past which is littered with scandal and corruption, or the future where maybe they can both finally be free and content.
Timeless, seductive, and beguilingly inventive, The Bride Stone is another triumph for one of my favourite authors
An estate on the line.
A marriage of convenience.
A bride with a hidden past….
Duval Harlington, recently released from the squalor of a French prison, is finally on his way home.
His father has shuffled off his mortal coil, Duval must reach the estate, Muchmore House, by the following evening should he wish to inherit what is rightfully his, something that has been promised to him for as long as he can remember. If only it were to be as simple as showing up and being seen.
The inheritance is caged within another condition, layered away behind an absurd whim of his father: should Duval wish to inherit anything, he must also be married - a seemingly insurmountable task in such a minuscule timeframe that is left to him.
But, ask luck would have it(or perhaps the devil may just like some fun) he stumbles upon a wife sale and running out of options quicker than a lush with gin, he makes a bid for young widow, Edmée Hyde.
Before the tick of the clock can wipe away any chance of success, the pair are married and Duval is relieved that this whole silly business can be put behind him. Yet he soon learns all may not be over as parasitic relatives dig their claws in determined to dethrone him from his prospects by any means deemed necessary or even unorthodox and Edmée harbours her own fair share of hindering secrets which if Duval is careless could see him not just lose his new-found fortune, but also someone who he grows to not only care for but perhaps also love.
The pair must work out what truly matters, the past which is littered with scandal and corruption, or the future where maybe they can both finally be free and content.
Timeless, seductive, and beguilingly inventive, The Bride Stone is another triumph for one of my favourite authors
July 31, 2025
Wow. I loved this. Vanity Fair meets Laura Shepard-Robinson: Romance, tragedy, scandal, murder, revolution, emigres, all in one story!
Set in 1796, Duval is returning to England after being imprisoned in France during the revolution. When he docks, he’s informed that to inherit his deceased father’s estate he must marry in 2 days time. His resolution is to buy a wife at a wife sale. His new wife Edmee though has many secrets of her own, and the marriage is even more for her convenience than his. What unfolds is a slow burn romance, scandal after scandal, murder and kidnap plots and even the Bow St Runners.
This had me gripped all the way through & I loved both Duval and Edmee and their love story. I also enjoyed the very vivid and often comedic cast of other characters and thought that the author painted a remarkable portrait of late Georgian London. I was fascinated by the details of the experience of emigres who escaped the Terror and horrified to learn that British men could sell their wives! Although it had a very gripping fast paced plot, it was well
balanced with excellent character development and well researched historical details.
A heartwarming ending where the good overcame the bad and every one got their just desserts. My only hope is that the BBC immediately turns this into a period drama!
Off to buy all her other novels!
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the copy to review.
Set in 1796, Duval is returning to England after being imprisoned in France during the revolution. When he docks, he’s informed that to inherit his deceased father’s estate he must marry in 2 days time. His resolution is to buy a wife at a wife sale. His new wife Edmee though has many secrets of her own, and the marriage is even more for her convenience than his. What unfolds is a slow burn romance, scandal after scandal, murder and kidnap plots and even the Bow St Runners.
This had me gripped all the way through & I loved both Duval and Edmee and their love story. I also enjoyed the very vivid and often comedic cast of other characters and thought that the author painted a remarkable portrait of late Georgian London. I was fascinated by the details of the experience of emigres who escaped the Terror and horrified to learn that British men could sell their wives! Although it had a very gripping fast paced plot, it was well
balanced with excellent character development and well researched historical details.
A heartwarming ending where the good overcame the bad and every one got their just desserts. My only hope is that the BBC immediately turns this into a period drama!
Off to buy all her other novels!
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the copy to review.
August 19, 2025
Duval Harlington arrives in London in 1796 after years in prison in France to find out his father is dead and as a condition to inherit his title and property, Duval must marry within a year of his death. He has two days left to do it. After finding out old flames are already married he ends up buying a widow from a wife sale. (Apparently there were wife sales. It was cheaper to sell your wife than divorce!). Edmee Hyde is French and the widow of a parson, Samuel Hyde. She’s covered in bruises and clearly has a mysterious past.
I loved this book from the start! Great historical fiction with a bit of mystery, feminism and romance.
A great read.
I loved this book from the start! Great historical fiction with a bit of mystery, feminism and romance.
A great read.
August 31, 2025
I had high hopes for this book. At the start it draws you in with a solid historical backdrop and I was fascinated by how it seemed poised to explore the practice of wife selling in that period. But as the story went on this richness faded, the historical detail became surface level and the plot never gained the weight it promised. The book tries to present itself as serious historical fiction but the central relationship was laughably weak. And the so called detective element was clumsy, pointless, and added nothing of value. People should frown upon books like this, at least the Bridgerton series has a hook and interesting characters.
October 4, 2025
A tense, dramatic and thrilling read set in Georgian England.
Gardener portrays a realistic sense of the period, from the workings of the homes of the wealthy to the shocking reality of wife sales and to the societal structure and status. The reader feels fully immersed in the period, and Gardner focuses on small details such as clothing and food to really bring it to life. Throughout, the author has woven in the influence of the French Revolution into both Duval’s own story and the impact it has had on English society – which I found very interesting to see how the two were linked.
I flew through this novel. It had a good balance of slower, calmer moments with moments of adrenaline and excitement, such as kidnappings. The pacing felt very energetic, combining elements of historical romance with a historical thriller, which made for a very readable and engaging novel.
I enjoyed the characters, as they were well-balanced and leant into the different elements of the plot. Duval is a likeable, real character who recalls the likes of Darcy. His aunt, Lady Harriet, provides the perfect balance of maternal kindness with status. Then there is the sleazy, grasping cousin, Carson, who provides the conflict.
The novel explores a wide range of themes, from war, love, society expectations and jealousy. They combine to create a novel that, whilst feeling like a soap, has depth and explores human lives in the Georgian period.
Overall, this was a delightfully engaging book with a great rhythm that kept me hooked. It didn’t feel too heavy and is an enjoyable read.
Gardener portrays a realistic sense of the period, from the workings of the homes of the wealthy to the shocking reality of wife sales and to the societal structure and status. The reader feels fully immersed in the period, and Gardner focuses on small details such as clothing and food to really bring it to life. Throughout, the author has woven in the influence of the French Revolution into both Duval’s own story and the impact it has had on English society – which I found very interesting to see how the two were linked.
I flew through this novel. It had a good balance of slower, calmer moments with moments of adrenaline and excitement, such as kidnappings. The pacing felt very energetic, combining elements of historical romance with a historical thriller, which made for a very readable and engaging novel.
I enjoyed the characters, as they were well-balanced and leant into the different elements of the plot. Duval is a likeable, real character who recalls the likes of Darcy. His aunt, Lady Harriet, provides the perfect balance of maternal kindness with status. Then there is the sleazy, grasping cousin, Carson, who provides the conflict.
The novel explores a wide range of themes, from war, love, society expectations and jealousy. They combine to create a novel that, whilst feeling like a soap, has depth and explores human lives in the Georgian period.
Overall, this was a delightfully engaging book with a great rhythm that kept me hooked. It didn’t feel too heavy and is an enjoyable read.
May 14, 2025
This was a very solid piece of historical fiction, and I really enjoyed it. It reminded me in tone of Victorian classics that were originally published in episodes—Vanity Fair comes to mind. I especially appreciated the nod to this “old school” style of storytelling.
The novel follows Duval, a British aristocrat who returns to England from France after being imprisoned for three years during the French Revolution. Due to the urgent terms of his father’s will, Duval is under pressure to marry quickly or risk losing his inheritance. Desperate, he chooses to participate in a wife sale and ends up marrying a young French widow, Edmée. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that both Duval and Edmée - especially Edmée - harbor many secrets that gradually come to light.
The historical context was particularly fascinating to me, as someone who enjoys reading about the French Revolution and the surrounding period in European history. I wasn’t aware of the phenomenon of wife sales, but it added a unique and disturbing element to the story.
Structurally, the book felt somewhat like two novels in one: the first half focused on the growing relationship between Duval and Edmée, while the second shifted toward a mystery. This episodic feel contributed to the charm and old-fashioned atmosphere. The pacing was brisk throughout, making it a very engaging read.
I found the main characters, Duval and Edmée, well-developed and complex. Their relationship felt believable, even though the style leaned toward classic romantic storytelling. The secondary characters were more one-dimensional—falling into either villainous or virtuous roles—but this didn’t detract much from my enjoyment, as it suited the overall tone of the novel.
The ending was satisfying, well-plotted, and even a bit surprising.
All in all, I really liked this book and would gladly read more from this author. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted historical fiction novel with strong old-school vibes.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The novel follows Duval, a British aristocrat who returns to England from France after being imprisoned for three years during the French Revolution. Due to the urgent terms of his father’s will, Duval is under pressure to marry quickly or risk losing his inheritance. Desperate, he chooses to participate in a wife sale and ends up marrying a young French widow, Edmée. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that both Duval and Edmée - especially Edmée - harbor many secrets that gradually come to light.
The historical context was particularly fascinating to me, as someone who enjoys reading about the French Revolution and the surrounding period in European history. I wasn’t aware of the phenomenon of wife sales, but it added a unique and disturbing element to the story.
Structurally, the book felt somewhat like two novels in one: the first half focused on the growing relationship between Duval and Edmée, while the second shifted toward a mystery. This episodic feel contributed to the charm and old-fashioned atmosphere. The pacing was brisk throughout, making it a very engaging read.
I found the main characters, Duval and Edmée, well-developed and complex. Their relationship felt believable, even though the style leaned toward classic romantic storytelling. The secondary characters were more one-dimensional—falling into either villainous or virtuous roles—but this didn’t detract much from my enjoyment, as it suited the overall tone of the novel.
The ending was satisfying, well-plotted, and even a bit surprising.
All in all, I really liked this book and would gladly read more from this author. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted historical fiction novel with strong old-school vibes.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2025
As a historical fiction fan, I was chuffed to bits to have been sent this fabulous proof to read.
Synopsis : ✍🏼
It is 1796 and Duval Harlington journeys back from France, having been taken prisoner there during the French Revolution.
On arriving back in England, he is told the news that his father had died the previous year so Duval is now to inherit the estate and Muchmore House.
However, his father has made inheritance virtually impossible as it states in his will that Duval must be lawfully married by the first anniversary of his death, which is only days away.
Duval sets off on a quest to find a wife and fortuitously happens upon a wife sale, where he meets and marries a young widow, Edmée Hyde.
They are successfully married with minutes to spare but Edmée is a harbinger of secrets and Duval has perhaps taken on much more than he bargained for.
•
This was a very entertaining, fast paced story with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. It also had the feel of a mystery thriller which just added to my enjoyment.
The characters were really well written and I loved the dashing Duval and his mysterious bride Edmée and I had my fingers and toes crossed for them.
An exciting, exhilarating and rip roaring tale that kept me hooked from the first page.
Synopsis : ✍🏼
It is 1796 and Duval Harlington journeys back from France, having been taken prisoner there during the French Revolution.
On arriving back in England, he is told the news that his father had died the previous year so Duval is now to inherit the estate and Muchmore House.
However, his father has made inheritance virtually impossible as it states in his will that Duval must be lawfully married by the first anniversary of his death, which is only days away.
Duval sets off on a quest to find a wife and fortuitously happens upon a wife sale, where he meets and marries a young widow, Edmée Hyde.
They are successfully married with minutes to spare but Edmée is a harbinger of secrets and Duval has perhaps taken on much more than he bargained for.
•
This was a very entertaining, fast paced story with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. It also had the feel of a mystery thriller which just added to my enjoyment.
The characters were really well written and I loved the dashing Duval and his mysterious bride Edmée and I had my fingers and toes crossed for them.
An exciting, exhilarating and rip roaring tale that kept me hooked from the first page.
July 21, 2025
This was absolutely brilliant and I devoured it in under two days! A fast pace beauty of #historicalfiction that threw me straight into the action and accelerated quickly into the story focusing on two brilliantly developed multi-faceted #protagonists! Both Duval and Edmée and wonderfully created and executed - I was rooting for them both from the very beginning, despite their flaws, their secrets and their pasts, all of which carefully converge and are slowly revealed to the reader.
Not only does Gardner balance suspense and character development perfectly - realising the importance of both to enhance a narrative as part #slowburn romance, part #mystery, part historical fiction, this novel was perfectly layered #genre wise to keep the pace, the investment and the intrigue going throughout.
I cannot rave enough about this one! A gorgeously woven tapestry about expectation, social constraints and survival exposing yet again the sheer misogyny of 18th century England as well as the all consuming desire of greed, this is a novel that we’ll keep you entranced from the very first to the very last page.
Not only does Gardner balance suspense and character development perfectly - realising the importance of both to enhance a narrative as part #slowburn romance, part #mystery, part historical fiction, this novel was perfectly layered #genre wise to keep the pace, the investment and the intrigue going throughout.
I cannot rave enough about this one! A gorgeously woven tapestry about expectation, social constraints and survival exposing yet again the sheer misogyny of 18th century England as well as the all consuming desire of greed, this is a novel that we’ll keep you entranced from the very first to the very last page.
November 27, 2025
CWs: domestic abuse, rape, grooming
September 9, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
October 4, 2025
Historical fiction mixed with mystery, a little romance, and perhaps a touch of horror.
After years in France, some of them in prison, Duval returns to England to find out he has less than 48 hours to marry if he wants to inherit his father’s property. So he ends up buying himself a wife at a wife market (one of the horror elements I mentioned). The bride, Edmée, is a widow being “sold” by her husband’s son, who cannot support her.
Basically, a lot of unpleasant things have happened and continue to happen to the characters - and I just didn’t love it. It was a mix of disbelief, intrigue about Edmée herself, and also, if I’m honest, boredom. The book felt a bit too long for me.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction set in late 18th-century France/England, you might find more here than I did. For me, the portrayal of women was especially hard to read. They’re beaten, raped, sold as property, married off as children, or used as unpaid servants - and while that may be historically accurate, it’s also the aspect of historical fiction that often makes it less enjoyable for me.
So, even though I didn’t have a great time with the book, I think it’s a well-written story that others who love this period of history might appreciate more.
⭐ 3/5
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
After years in France, some of them in prison, Duval returns to England to find out he has less than 48 hours to marry if he wants to inherit his father’s property. So he ends up buying himself a wife at a wife market (one of the horror elements I mentioned). The bride, Edmée, is a widow being “sold” by her husband’s son, who cannot support her.
Basically, a lot of unpleasant things have happened and continue to happen to the characters - and I just didn’t love it. It was a mix of disbelief, intrigue about Edmée herself, and also, if I’m honest, boredom. The book felt a bit too long for me.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction set in late 18th-century France/England, you might find more here than I did. For me, the portrayal of women was especially hard to read. They’re beaten, raped, sold as property, married off as children, or used as unpaid servants - and while that may be historically accurate, it’s also the aspect of historical fiction that often makes it less enjoyable for me.
So, even though I didn’t have a great time with the book, I think it’s a well-written story that others who love this period of history might appreciate more.
⭐ 3/5
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2025
I was drawn to this book for several reasons, 1) slight obsession with the Regency period 2) Any book having a historic theme 3) Cant beat an edge of seat thriller.
This book ticks all the boxes, making them overflow in fact!
There was a good mix of characters, from the wicked villain to the rare angels of life. Both types taking you on a roller coaster from the French Revolution to Regency Britain, in this well written book.
The characters were interesting and drew you in, I found myself fully invested in the initial tentative relationship between Duval and Edmee. Both found themselves in desperate situations. There were people who, from the very start wanted to sabotage their 'marriage of convenience' for want of a better description. On the other hand, others were definitely team D and E, their opinions growing more positive as the story developed.
This book does demonstrate remarkably well how women used to be considered 'possessions' and how powerless they were about their own lives and future.
Overall I did enjoy The Bride Stone and would recommend to fans of historic fiction.
This book ticks all the boxes, making them overflow in fact!
There was a good mix of characters, from the wicked villain to the rare angels of life. Both types taking you on a roller coaster from the French Revolution to Regency Britain, in this well written book.
The characters were interesting and drew you in, I found myself fully invested in the initial tentative relationship between Duval and Edmee. Both found themselves in desperate situations. There were people who, from the very start wanted to sabotage their 'marriage of convenience' for want of a better description. On the other hand, others were definitely team D and E, their opinions growing more positive as the story developed.
This book does demonstrate remarkably well how women used to be considered 'possessions' and how powerless they were about their own lives and future.
Overall I did enjoy The Bride Stone and would recommend to fans of historic fiction.
April 15, 2025
“I want to know you, to heal you and’—he kissed her hand—‘to love you better.”
“You. You are the dawn, the light after so much darkness.”
This book has completely captivated me. Everything about it, from the beautiful, limited edition proof to the actual story and the characters within it. I cannot stop thinking about Duval and Edmée.
We are taken back to 1796 where we meet Mr Duval Harlington, an Englishman recently released from a French Prison. He finds himself fretting for his life when he is informed of his Father’s passing and the requirement to be wed before he can claim his inheritance and estate. What makes matters worse is that he has barely 2 days to find a bride.
It doesn’t take long for the story to unravel and we find ourselves presented with a marriage of convenience with a bride, who we learn is called Edmée, having a hidden past.
I have to express how brilliant @the.sally.gardner is at writing about very hard hitting topics. The Bride Stone is littered with the tough reality of life as a woman back in the 1700 and 1800’s. Beaten, bruised and treated like utter dirt, we are transported back to a very sexist and misogynistic era. I found myself sympathising and hurting for our FMC. Not only is she ridiculed for her gender but she is disregarded and attacked due to her nationality.
The Bride Stone is a historical romance with elements of crime, murder and hard hitting truths. I was rooting for love, rooting for success and rooting for the truth to set our characters free.
The utter devotion Duval has towards his wife is truly envious and I cannot stress how beautiful it was to read the emotions he felt towards her. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice in parts.
This is definitely one to look out! I cannot wait to see this book released into the world.
Thank you so much @headofzeus and @the.sally.gardner for sending me this beautiful novel🩵
“You. You are the dawn, the light after so much darkness.”
This book has completely captivated me. Everything about it, from the beautiful, limited edition proof to the actual story and the characters within it. I cannot stop thinking about Duval and Edmée.
We are taken back to 1796 where we meet Mr Duval Harlington, an Englishman recently released from a French Prison. He finds himself fretting for his life when he is informed of his Father’s passing and the requirement to be wed before he can claim his inheritance and estate. What makes matters worse is that he has barely 2 days to find a bride.
It doesn’t take long for the story to unravel and we find ourselves presented with a marriage of convenience with a bride, who we learn is called Edmée, having a hidden past.
I have to express how brilliant @the.sally.gardner is at writing about very hard hitting topics. The Bride Stone is littered with the tough reality of life as a woman back in the 1700 and 1800’s. Beaten, bruised and treated like utter dirt, we are transported back to a very sexist and misogynistic era. I found myself sympathising and hurting for our FMC. Not only is she ridiculed for her gender but she is disregarded and attacked due to her nationality.
The Bride Stone is a historical romance with elements of crime, murder and hard hitting truths. I was rooting for love, rooting for success and rooting for the truth to set our characters free.
The utter devotion Duval has towards his wife is truly envious and I cannot stress how beautiful it was to read the emotions he felt towards her. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice in parts.
This is definitely one to look out! I cannot wait to see this book released into the world.
Thank you so much @headofzeus and @the.sally.gardner for sending me this beautiful novel🩵
May 13, 2025
This novel was so much fun !! I was not so sure at the beginning that it would grab me as it first appeared a bit strange. However, I enjoyed the plot (surprising as well...), and I just loved the funny side of it! The characters fitted perfectly well , and I also enjoyed the dialogues. A light and entertaining novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
May 27, 2025
Sally Gardner is a fantastic writer who I've admired for years. This is her second adult novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When Duval is released from prison he finds that his father has died and that he must marry within two days to fulfil the conditions of his will in order inherit his estate. In desperation Duval acquires a wife through a wife sale who is bruised and clearly abused and so the story begins to unfold. It is historical fiction but part mystery part love story. It is so perfectly plotted, with a brilliant cast of secondary characters, and the writing is so well crafted.
December 4, 2025
Went into this without knowing anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised. A deeply sensitive historical romance. Lots of twists and turns
This book was a wonder surprise for me really enjoyed it.
This book was a wonder surprise for me really enjoyed it.
October 12, 2025
Loved this book from the get go with its mix of history, intrigue and feminism.
November 13, 2025
This book had the beginnings of a really tantalizing (and even sweet) story, but it ended up falling flat for me, unfortunately. It lacked urgency. A little more vivacity to its characters would not have hurt either. I would still recommend it to all historical romance lovers - as I said, the potential is there :)
March 29, 2025
Sally Gardner’s The Bride Stone is a captivating historical novel set in 1796. It combines suspense and romance against a backdrop of societal norms and personal secrets. The story revolves around Duval Harlington, who must marry within 24 hours to inherit his father’s estate. He impulsively buys Edmée Hyde, a widow, at a wife sale, setting the stage for a tense and mysterious relationship.
Duval and Edmée are both well-drawn characters. Duval is conflicted between desperation and duty, growing as he learns about trust. Edmée is resilient and mysterious, making her more than just a woman trapped by circumstances. Their relationship evolves from suspicion to something deeper, which is a big part of why the book is so engaging. Other characters add layers to the plot but the focus remains on the protagonists.
The novel explores themes like survival, social constraints, and the cost of keeping secrets. Gardner uses these to comment on current issues, like gender roles and how people protect their independence. The historical setting heightens these themes by immersing us in a world where personal freedom is often restricted by society.
Gardner’s writing is vivid and tense, capturing the story's urgency. Her language is authentic to the period but still easy to understand. The narrative structure maintains suspense while allowing character introspection.
The book stands out in its ability to take readers to a different era while tackling timeless human issues. The historical detail creates a rich atmosphere but never overshadows the emotional heart of the story. Gardner weaves these elements together expertly, creating a novel that feels personal and expansive.
The Bride Stone is a memorable read that balances suspense with emotional depth. Its exploration of trust and survival encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences. Gardner delivers a story that stays with readers long after they finish the book.
Duval and Edmée are both well-drawn characters. Duval is conflicted between desperation and duty, growing as he learns about trust. Edmée is resilient and mysterious, making her more than just a woman trapped by circumstances. Their relationship evolves from suspicion to something deeper, which is a big part of why the book is so engaging. Other characters add layers to the plot but the focus remains on the protagonists.
The novel explores themes like survival, social constraints, and the cost of keeping secrets. Gardner uses these to comment on current issues, like gender roles and how people protect their independence. The historical setting heightens these themes by immersing us in a world where personal freedom is often restricted by society.
Gardner’s writing is vivid and tense, capturing the story's urgency. Her language is authentic to the period but still easy to understand. The narrative structure maintains suspense while allowing character introspection.
The book stands out in its ability to take readers to a different era while tackling timeless human issues. The historical detail creates a rich atmosphere but never overshadows the emotional heart of the story. Gardner weaves these elements together expertly, creating a novel that feels personal and expansive.
The Bride Stone is a memorable read that balances suspense with emotional depth. Its exploration of trust and survival encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences. Gardner delivers a story that stays with readers long after they finish the book.
April 8, 2025
How is this the first book I’ve read by this author?! It certainly won’t be my last!!
I loved the characters, Duval and Edmée were brilliantly written with many layers. Both characters suffer many different conflicting decisions.
The concept was brilliant, I loved the inheritance clauses that Duvals father had set. Luckily he managed to buy Edmée! But they unfortunately wasn’t the end of the clauses for his inheritance, the second was brilliant! You’ll have to read the book to find out what it was 😉
I absolutely loved being taken to a bygone era and the writing, scene and characters were all so vivid that I felt like I was there with them at times. The author manages to create magical, captivating and authentic story that I’ll remember for a long while.
I loved the characters, Duval and Edmée were brilliantly written with many layers. Both characters suffer many different conflicting decisions.
The concept was brilliant, I loved the inheritance clauses that Duvals father had set. Luckily he managed to buy Edmée! But they unfortunately wasn’t the end of the clauses for his inheritance, the second was brilliant! You’ll have to read the book to find out what it was 😉
I absolutely loved being taken to a bygone era and the writing, scene and characters were all so vivid that I felt like I was there with them at times. The author manages to create magical, captivating and authentic story that I’ll remember for a long while.
July 3, 2025
I was very kindly given an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley and Head of Zeus.
It's just a shame that I didn't like the book. The idea is sound, but the execution is deeply flawed and considering the reviews on here so far of 'The Bride Stone' have been almost resoundingly glowing, I am about to dump a big bucket of water over its head. So - shall we?
I will admit, I enjoyed the first 40-50% of this book. Where I started to get irritated was when the author clearly ran out of steam and decided to incorporate a kidnapping plot so deeply unmotivated and so clumsily, exhaustingly executed that I wanted to throw my Kindle in the Thames.
My principal issue with this novel was the writing style. It is cold, passive and deeply detached from the story it's attempting to tell. The author avoids the most intriguing dramatic moments in favour of short chapters that barely scratch the surface of a moment. I am told, repeatedly, that Duval falls in love with Edmee, but I am not shown. The romance is given time or breathing room to grow and veers wildly into 'insta-love' territory, which seems at odds with the genre of the book in itself. There is absolutely no chemistry between these Duval and Edmee and so I did not care at all how the book concluded and whether either of them survived. Supporting characters are either largely one dimensional (Lady Harriet, Joseph Quinn) or pantomime characters (Arabella, Carson), behaving with such unnecessary and child-like cruelty that they just come off as silly rather than scary. Personally, I felt the cast of characters were too large and many of them formed into one indistinguishable blob after a while.
The plot jumps into a kidnapping mystery in the second half - one I think may have been more successful if we'd known from the beginning that it was going to happen and we jumped back and forth between the romance and the mystery throughout - but loses any sense of momentum by dragging on wildly for chapters and chapters with very little development. The entire novel is skimming the iceberg of its story, giving us the tiniest slivers of plot, character, and theme, but never deigning to advance beyond the bare minimum. I just felt so cut off from the book as I was reading it. There was no emotion, no depth, nothing drawing me in. Almost like half the chapters were missing and therefore, I was missing half the book itself.
This is the third book I’ve read recently that approaches its story with such a detached air, it’s a wonder a person actually wrote it at all. Falling into the trend of ‘I want this to be adapted into a movie / TV series, therefore I’m not going to actually dig deeply into things, just present the information so the screenwriter can do that work for me later.’
It isn't particularly romantic, it isn't particularly dramatic - it isn't particularly anything at all. I'm mainly annoyed that I wasted my time continuing to read it.
'The Bride Stone' is available from July 31st.
It's just a shame that I didn't like the book. The idea is sound, but the execution is deeply flawed and considering the reviews on here so far of 'The Bride Stone' have been almost resoundingly glowing, I am about to dump a big bucket of water over its head. So - shall we?
I will admit, I enjoyed the first 40-50% of this book. Where I started to get irritated was when the author clearly ran out of steam and decided to incorporate a kidnapping plot so deeply unmotivated and so clumsily, exhaustingly executed that I wanted to throw my Kindle in the Thames.
My principal issue with this novel was the writing style. It is cold, passive and deeply detached from the story it's attempting to tell. The author avoids the most intriguing dramatic moments in favour of short chapters that barely scratch the surface of a moment. I am told, repeatedly, that Duval falls in love with Edmee, but I am not shown. The romance is given time or breathing room to grow and veers wildly into 'insta-love' territory, which seems at odds with the genre of the book in itself. There is absolutely no chemistry between these Duval and Edmee and so I did not care at all how the book concluded and whether either of them survived. Supporting characters are either largely one dimensional (Lady Harriet, Joseph Quinn) or pantomime characters (Arabella, Carson), behaving with such unnecessary and child-like cruelty that they just come off as silly rather than scary. Personally, I felt the cast of characters were too large and many of them formed into one indistinguishable blob after a while.
The plot jumps into a kidnapping mystery in the second half - one I think may have been more successful if we'd known from the beginning that it was going to happen and we jumped back and forth between the romance and the mystery throughout - but loses any sense of momentum by dragging on wildly for chapters and chapters with very little development. The entire novel is skimming the iceberg of its story, giving us the tiniest slivers of plot, character, and theme, but never deigning to advance beyond the bare minimum. I just felt so cut off from the book as I was reading it. There was no emotion, no depth, nothing drawing me in. Almost like half the chapters were missing and therefore, I was missing half the book itself.
This is the third book I’ve read recently that approaches its story with such a detached air, it’s a wonder a person actually wrote it at all. Falling into the trend of ‘I want this to be adapted into a movie / TV series, therefore I’m not going to actually dig deeply into things, just present the information so the screenwriter can do that work for me later.’
It isn't particularly romantic, it isn't particularly dramatic - it isn't particularly anything at all. I'm mainly annoyed that I wasted my time continuing to read it.
'The Bride Stone' is available from July 31st.
June 2, 2025
Originally published on the 22nd May edition of The Bookish Drop newsletter. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.
I rarely delve into the world of historical novels, mainly because I don't want to confront just how little I actually know of the pre-21st-century world. Still, my reservations about The Bride Stone by Sally Gardner evaporated before I’d even finished the first chapter.
In 1796, amid the French Revolution, The Bride Stone follows Duval Harlington, fresh out of prison and back in London, to discover his despicable father has passed away. Rather than settle into life as the new Lord of the Muchmore estate, Duval is forced to find a wife within hours thanks to a small stipulation in his late father's will: he must be married or lose everything. After a dystopian meet-cute at a wife sale, Duval finds an eligible spouse in widow Edmée and honours his father's demands from beyond the grave. But marrying in haste is only the beginning of Duval's troubles.
The Bride Stone gives Vanity Fair and Bridgerton vibes but with a wonderfully gothic twist. I raced through the book within a day and wondered how I'd not read any of Gardner's work sooner. Although I'm new to the genre, I suspect this delicious historical romance will be one of the books of the summer.
You will have to wait until July 31st to get your hands on a copy of The Bride Stone, but you can read Gardner’s prior work The Weather Woman now.
I rarely delve into the world of historical novels, mainly because I don't want to confront just how little I actually know of the pre-21st-century world. Still, my reservations about The Bride Stone by Sally Gardner evaporated before I’d even finished the first chapter.
In 1796, amid the French Revolution, The Bride Stone follows Duval Harlington, fresh out of prison and back in London, to discover his despicable father has passed away. Rather than settle into life as the new Lord of the Muchmore estate, Duval is forced to find a wife within hours thanks to a small stipulation in his late father's will: he must be married or lose everything. After a dystopian meet-cute at a wife sale, Duval finds an eligible spouse in widow Edmée and honours his father's demands from beyond the grave. But marrying in haste is only the beginning of Duval's troubles.
The Bride Stone gives Vanity Fair and Bridgerton vibes but with a wonderfully gothic twist. I raced through the book within a day and wondered how I'd not read any of Gardner's work sooner. Although I'm new to the genre, I suspect this delicious historical romance will be one of the books of the summer.
You will have to wait until July 31st to get your hands on a copy of The Bride Stone, but you can read Gardner’s prior work The Weather Woman now.
November 4, 2025
I stick to the rule that I cannot review a book that I have not finished. So when I tell you I spite-read this all the way to the end just to share my thoughts...
Folks, the writing. The writing is the worst I have ever encountered in a traditionally published book. Even if the plot hadn't been the most ridiculously contrived, nonsensical story, the writing would have made me throw the book across the room several times. And it's a hardcover so it would have seriously damaged my house and its inhabitants.
This is what a first draft sounds like. A rough first draft, mind you, where you're just trying to get the basic stuff down, until you go over it again and actually write it properly. A draft that includes things like "write a short conversation between X and Y that contains the following information". It's THAT bad.
The dialogue: First off, nobody talks like that. Second, nobody talked like that in late 18th century England, or France for that matter. (At some point an aristocratic English lady says "sorry" - what?) Why set a novel in a historical time period if you're not going to reflect that setting in your writing. What's the point?
Most of the dialogues read like the two people aren't even talking to each other, they are just saying saying things, in sequence. The responses are random and often apropos of nothing. Dialogues last a few lines and end abruptly. At one point the investigator asks someone a question and they literally answer: "Yes, I remember this person, let me info dump a bit, now I need to go to bed, bye".
The author has apparently never heard of "show don't tell". Everything is told. Duval loves Edmee, Edmee loves Duval, for some reason, just trust me okay? You want to see them develop a relationship? Nah, why waste time writing nuanced and conflicted characters and their development over the course of the story, when I can just tell you they are nuanced and definitely in love. Saves time, no?
Needless to say, I didn't engage with the characters. They are cardboard cutouts with no inner lives. We are sometimes told they feel things, so that should be enough to make me care.
I wish I could say the plot saved this book, but, you know, it didn't. The main arc might have been fine had any of the characters acted like they actually were from the late 18th century.
I'm still wondering how this got published. The acknowledgements mention that the editor changed halfway through the writing process, but even so, this quality of writing should never have seen the light of day.
Folks, the writing. The writing is the worst I have ever encountered in a traditionally published book. Even if the plot hadn't been the most ridiculously contrived, nonsensical story, the writing would have made me throw the book across the room several times. And it's a hardcover so it would have seriously damaged my house and its inhabitants.
This is what a first draft sounds like. A rough first draft, mind you, where you're just trying to get the basic stuff down, until you go over it again and actually write it properly. A draft that includes things like "write a short conversation between X and Y that contains the following information". It's THAT bad.
The dialogue: First off, nobody talks like that. Second, nobody talked like that in late 18th century England, or France for that matter. (At some point an aristocratic English lady says "sorry" - what?) Why set a novel in a historical time period if you're not going to reflect that setting in your writing. What's the point?
Most of the dialogues read like the two people aren't even talking to each other, they are just saying saying things, in sequence. The responses are random and often apropos of nothing. Dialogues last a few lines and end abruptly. At one point the investigator asks someone a question and they literally answer: "Yes, I remember this person, let me info dump a bit, now I need to go to bed, bye".
The author has apparently never heard of "show don't tell". Everything is told. Duval loves Edmee, Edmee loves Duval, for some reason, just trust me okay? You want to see them develop a relationship? Nah, why waste time writing nuanced and conflicted characters and their development over the course of the story, when I can just tell you they are nuanced and definitely in love. Saves time, no?
Needless to say, I didn't engage with the characters. They are cardboard cutouts with no inner lives. We are sometimes told they feel things, so that should be enough to make me care.
I wish I could say the plot saved this book, but, you know, it didn't. The main arc might have been fine had any of the characters acted like they actually were from the late 18th century.
I'm still wondering how this got published. The acknowledgements mention that the editor changed halfway through the writing process, but even so, this quality of writing should never have seen the light of day.
July 6, 2025
It has been a very long time since I have been as gripped with a book as I was with this. I read it in two sittings - pausing only to cook and eat some food - and it kept me turning the pages all the way to the end.
A mix of romance and mystery, it follows the story of Duval, an Englishman who has survived the horrors of the French Revolution only to find he needs to marry within the next few days or lose his inheritance. Edmée, a Frenchwoman in England who has survived her brutal husband but is in desperate need of safety is for 'sale' in a wife market - a true thing that used to happen in England. It seems to be the solution to both their problems but it isn't long before both of their secrets threaten them.
The two main characters are a delight. Duval and Edmée are both characters you want to root for, although I could have shaken Duval more than once when he so callously left her and didn't write. I had really hoped their love would bloom over letters, but it is something more dramatic that brings him back and lets their love story really bloom. Edmée has been through so much, and the more you learn about her past, the worst it gets. She had a truly terrible hand in life and yet raises above it with bravery.
The minor characters are a little one dimensional - they are either utter rotter's who get what they deserve, or good characters who help save the day. Aunt Harriet was the only other character that really went through an arc - starting off distrusting Edmée to the point of telling the staff to make sure she hadn't stolen anything from any room she passed through - to being her strongest champion outside of her husband, and being the rock that both needed. She was fantastic.
There is a happy ending thankfully, and they deserved it.
I will be searching out other books by this author, just for how entertaining this was.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
A mix of romance and mystery, it follows the story of Duval, an Englishman who has survived the horrors of the French Revolution only to find he needs to marry within the next few days or lose his inheritance. Edmée, a Frenchwoman in England who has survived her brutal husband but is in desperate need of safety is for 'sale' in a wife market - a true thing that used to happen in England. It seems to be the solution to both their problems but it isn't long before both of their secrets threaten them.
The two main characters are a delight. Duval and Edmée are both characters you want to root for, although I could have shaken Duval more than once when he so callously left her and didn't write. I had really hoped their love would bloom over letters, but it is something more dramatic that brings him back and lets their love story really bloom. Edmée has been through so much, and the more you learn about her past, the worst it gets. She had a truly terrible hand in life and yet raises above it with bravery.
The minor characters are a little one dimensional - they are either utter rotter's who get what they deserve, or good characters who help save the day. Aunt Harriet was the only other character that really went through an arc - starting off distrusting Edmée to the point of telling the staff to make sure she hadn't stolen anything from any room she passed through - to being her strongest champion outside of her husband, and being the rock that both needed. She was fantastic.
There is a happy ending thankfully, and they deserved it.
I will be searching out other books by this author, just for how entertaining this was.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
April 30, 2025
I was utterly captivated from the first page of The Bride Stone. It’s 1796 and following Duval Harlington’s release from a French prison, he is on the final stage of an arduous return journey to London. He has survived the French Revolution - the Terror, the massacres and the guillotine - but upon his arrival into the capital he discovers that he must marry within two days and seven hours to inherit his late father’s estate. As Duval raced against time to find a bride, I raced through this novel to find out what would happen!
The historical events described in this novel were fascinating. I was horrified to discover in the author’s note that the last wife sale in England took place as late as the 1930s. This was a depraved practice in which women were treated like chattels.
The Bride Stone was a compelling novel and the narrative remained tight, though after reading the opening chapters I had expected that Duval's time in France would form a key part of the plot. Duval initially supported the Revolution and I would have been interested to learn more about his political views and how he reconciled those views with his title and inheritance. It was actually the romance plot line which came to the fore as Duval explored his capacity to love.
The two main characters in this novel were well-developed, but I thought that the presentation of many of the other characters seemed binary – they were generally depicted as either wholly good or wholly bad. For example, the portrayal of Duval’s rival for the estate, the diabolical Ralph Carson, seemed one-dimensional and his character did not appear to have any redeeming qualities.
These minor drawbacks did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel. It was a great story and a solid four stars. Thank you so much to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
The historical events described in this novel were fascinating. I was horrified to discover in the author’s note that the last wife sale in England took place as late as the 1930s. This was a depraved practice in which women were treated like chattels.
The Bride Stone was a compelling novel and the narrative remained tight, though after reading the opening chapters I had expected that Duval's time in France would form a key part of the plot. Duval initially supported the Revolution and I would have been interested to learn more about his political views and how he reconciled those views with his title and inheritance. It was actually the romance plot line which came to the fore as Duval explored his capacity to love.
The two main characters in this novel were well-developed, but I thought that the presentation of many of the other characters seemed binary – they were generally depicted as either wholly good or wholly bad. For example, the portrayal of Duval’s rival for the estate, the diabolical Ralph Carson, seemed one-dimensional and his character did not appear to have any redeeming qualities.
These minor drawbacks did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel. It was a great story and a solid four stars. Thank you so much to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
The Bride Stone has a gripping opening. Duval Harrington arrives back in England after three years in a French jail to find that his father has died and he must marry within 3 days or lose his inheritance. He is sure that he has no chance of marrying anyone within that time but then discovers a Wife Sale. He does manage to purchase a wife for the princely sum of 10 guineas but his problems still aren’t over.
I was gripped by the opening to this novel as Duval goes from hope to despair and back to hope again. I found myself really invested in the marriage between him and Edmee and the growing romance between them. I really wanted them to succeed despite all of the opposition to them. I also loved the setting at the end of the French revolution when French emigres were often seen as suspicious and the historical detail is excellent.
The book fell down for me on the secondary characters who nearly all felt very 2D and didn’t have a lot of depth. The only two who came alive for me were the Bow Street Runner who is called in to investigate the mystery and Mrs Dent who goes out to rescue women and children from the type of situation that Edmee found herself in. The inheritance grabbing cousin, Carson in particular feels a bit like a pantomime villain although to be fair, Duval himself notes that his cousin seems to have come out of a bad play.
Despite this, it was still a very readable story which I found hard to put down. I don’t think it’s quite as good as the author’s previous book The Weather Woman but a good read nonetheless.
My thinks as always to Net Galley and the publishers Head of Zeus, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was gripped by the opening to this novel as Duval goes from hope to despair and back to hope again. I found myself really invested in the marriage between him and Edmee and the growing romance between them. I really wanted them to succeed despite all of the opposition to them. I also loved the setting at the end of the French revolution when French emigres were often seen as suspicious and the historical detail is excellent.
The book fell down for me on the secondary characters who nearly all felt very 2D and didn’t have a lot of depth. The only two who came alive for me were the Bow Street Runner who is called in to investigate the mystery and Mrs Dent who goes out to rescue women and children from the type of situation that Edmee found herself in. The inheritance grabbing cousin, Carson in particular feels a bit like a pantomime villain although to be fair, Duval himself notes that his cousin seems to have come out of a bad play.
Despite this, it was still a very readable story which I found hard to put down. I don’t think it’s quite as good as the author’s previous book The Weather Woman but a good read nonetheless.
My thinks as always to Net Galley and the publishers Head of Zeus, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2025
A romantic romp
—
More fan-fiction romance than historical novel, this is a romp of a romantic novel, with the shotgun marriage of Duval Harlington to the mysterious French widow Edmée to satisfy the inheritance conditions of Duval’s father. Recently returned from the Bastille, Duval is a grump with a past that won’t let go, his former mistress (now married) doing her darndest to break up Duval from his new wife, a stranger to everyone including Duval. For her part, Edmée is a closed book (pun very much intended when you get round to reading the novel), her secrets threatening to overturn the escape from France and her own past that she has engineered. Of course, you know what happens at the end of a romance novel and this is no different, but the twists and turns are enough to keep you turning the pages.
The speech is more modern than historical, as far from Dumas as you could possibly get and yet still stay within the bounds of historical fiction. The characters are not much more than they appear to be, so so-far-so-standard for the genre. The narration very much centres on Duval and Edmée but the reader doesn’t get any foresight into what brought the pair of them to the points in their lives where they were, saving all of that information for the last fifth of the book, where it has no narrative heft. Sometimes other voices intrude the narration, but the MCs are missing from the plot so it doesn’t feel like you’ve entered into a different world and indeed a different novel. However, the helter skelter but entertaining plot contributes to a rounded ending.
—
More fan-fiction romance than historical novel, this is a romp of a romantic novel, with the shotgun marriage of Duval Harlington to the mysterious French widow Edmée to satisfy the inheritance conditions of Duval’s father. Recently returned from the Bastille, Duval is a grump with a past that won’t let go, his former mistress (now married) doing her darndest to break up Duval from his new wife, a stranger to everyone including Duval. For her part, Edmée is a closed book (pun very much intended when you get round to reading the novel), her secrets threatening to overturn the escape from France and her own past that she has engineered. Of course, you know what happens at the end of a romance novel and this is no different, but the twists and turns are enough to keep you turning the pages.
The speech is more modern than historical, as far from Dumas as you could possibly get and yet still stay within the bounds of historical fiction. The characters are not much more than they appear to be, so so-far-so-standard for the genre. The narration very much centres on Duval and Edmée but the reader doesn’t get any foresight into what brought the pair of them to the points in their lives where they were, saving all of that information for the last fifth of the book, where it has no narrative heft. Sometimes other voices intrude the narration, but the MCs are missing from the plot so it doesn’t feel like you’ve entered into a different world and indeed a different novel. However, the helter skelter but entertaining plot contributes to a rounded ending.
May 4, 2025
The Bride Stone by Sally Gardner
Having read The Weather Woman by the same author I was very much looking forward to this novel. The premise of the story is based on the wife sales which used to take place as the poor did not have enough money in order to be able to divorce.
It is set in 1796 and the main character is Duval Harlington who has just been released from the infamous La Force prison in France. On his arrival in France he learns that there was a codicil in his late father’s will which means that he has to be married in 2 days or the entire estate goes to a distant cousin. He has arrived in snow so travelling anywhere is difficult. He is encouraged to attend a horse sale and learns that a wife sale is also about to take place. This seems to be the answer to his problems but Duval and his wife are both harbouring secrets which are gradually revealed.
The writer’s evocation of late Georgian London and the customs of the time is beautifully conjured. I found that the comparison drawn between the life of the French Emigres and those who are currently attempting to cross the Channel in small boats appalling. How history repeats itself.
I will be recommending this book to my various book groups and look forward to listening to the author at The Essex Book Festival. Many thanks to the author, Head of Zeus and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
Having read The Weather Woman by the same author I was very much looking forward to this novel. The premise of the story is based on the wife sales which used to take place as the poor did not have enough money in order to be able to divorce.
It is set in 1796 and the main character is Duval Harlington who has just been released from the infamous La Force prison in France. On his arrival in France he learns that there was a codicil in his late father’s will which means that he has to be married in 2 days or the entire estate goes to a distant cousin. He has arrived in snow so travelling anywhere is difficult. He is encouraged to attend a horse sale and learns that a wife sale is also about to take place. This seems to be the answer to his problems but Duval and his wife are both harbouring secrets which are gradually revealed.
The writer’s evocation of late Georgian London and the customs of the time is beautifully conjured. I found that the comparison drawn between the life of the French Emigres and those who are currently attempting to cross the Channel in small boats appalling. How history repeats itself.
I will be recommending this book to my various book groups and look forward to listening to the author at The Essex Book Festival. Many thanks to the author, Head of Zeus and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2025
Wow I loved this one. We follow Duval Harlington, recently freed from a French prison. The year is 1796, our guy was prisoner during the revolution, he goes back in London and is informed that his father had died and left his inheritance with the condition that Duval must marry or everything goes to some unknown cousin. And Duval has only two days and seven hours to find a wife, marry her, and keep his estate. Here comes Edmée Hyde, the wife Duval buys on the wife market.
In this book we have romance, mentioned miscarriage, domestic violence, rape, kidnapping, mystery, secrets, and many interesting facts of the time period. I ate it up. The pace was fast, the writing suited the time period in the book which just grabs and brings the reader back in time to enjoy the writing even more. I’d say the book feels like a romance novel in the first half where we get to know our characters and their growing romance. Then we have the second half where new characters are introduced and it’s more of a mystery novel where the secrets are revealed and we learn who Edmée is and her past.
It is my first book from Sally Gardner, and I loved it! Despite the heavy topic in the book, I’d say it’s not hard heavy read. In fact, it feels light and enjoyable. I believe the way it’s written, the characters are the heart of the book too!
Thank you, NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sharing this ARC with me!
In this book we have romance, mentioned miscarriage, domestic violence, rape, kidnapping, mystery, secrets, and many interesting facts of the time period. I ate it up. The pace was fast, the writing suited the time period in the book which just grabs and brings the reader back in time to enjoy the writing even more. I’d say the book feels like a romance novel in the first half where we get to know our characters and their growing romance. Then we have the second half where new characters are introduced and it’s more of a mystery novel where the secrets are revealed and we learn who Edmée is and her past.
It is my first book from Sally Gardner, and I loved it! Despite the heavy topic in the book, I’d say it’s not hard heavy read. In fact, it feels light and enjoyable. I believe the way it’s written, the characters are the heart of the book too!
Thank you, NetGalley and Head of Zeus for sharing this ARC with me!
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