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THE D’ARGENTS. IT ALL BEGAN WITH A WOMAN…TOO.

Medieval Normandy. Before William the Conqueror conquered, there was the family D’Argent. And a marriage alliance destined to give rise to England’s formidable Wulfriths.

BEHOLD THE VICTOR

The day Godfroi D’Argent defeats his brother in a contest of arms, he gains his family’s lands. And a less than desirable bride. Certain it will be years before his enemy’s daughter grows into a lady of worth, he devotes himself to securing his lordship. When at last Robine assumes her rightful place, Godfroi is unprepared for how much she moves him. Counting it weakness, he refuses to acknowledge the depth of his feelings even to himself—until he falls in battle. With little hope of restoring the warrior, he allows Robine and their young sons to believe him dead. But when the mysterious hermit who pulled him from the battlefield persuades him to return home, it is not to a wife with open arms but one entangled in sin. Is it true only three are needed to salvage a marriage—husband, wife, and God? And what is to be done with proof of Robine’s indiscretion?

BEWARE THE SHE-BEAR

Just as Robine’s husband rejects her on their wedding night, so too her love. When she becomes his wife in truth and he withholds his heart, she determines to cease loving him. But what proves impossible becomes irrelevant when he is slain. Painfully aware once her period of mourning ends she must provide her sons a protector, she undertakes a journey to her family and is set upon by brigands. In the midst of fiercely defending her children, a chevalier rides to her aid and proves a worthy suitor. When Robine’s uncertainty over wedding her betrothed leads to a fall from grace, there is no going back—unless Godfroi returns from the dead. Can she forgive her husband for allowing her to believe he perished? Can he forgive his wife for a sin soon apparent to all? And what of granting the innocent grace?

Set in France during the Duke of Normandy’s minority, the eighth and final book in the AGE OF CONQUEST series takes another step back in time to reveal the origin of the D’Argents who became the Wulfriths. In Winter 2021/22, watch for VALOROUS, the first book in the new AGE OF HONOR series that continues the Wulfrith tale in 14th century England.

484 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

25 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Leigh

70 books968 followers
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.

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5 stars
185 (82%)
4 stars
29 (12%)
3 stars
8 (3%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
258 reviews
September 8, 2021
5-star (+ a million)

Absolute EPIC finale to this series! The books thickness was quite intimidating, but no page was wasted and every page needed to truly tell the intricacies of Godfroi and Robine’s love story. We’ve seen snippets of their background in other books in the series, but getting their complete tale adds a whole new level of richness. It’s an absolute must to read these books in order to truly appreciate this closing tale. Tamara truly cares about her characters and readers and it shows in this satisfying conclusion. The ending was the most heart-rending yet, heartwarming moment that I can ever remember reading, and I admit to re-reading it numerous times and it producing tears. Every. Time. After gaining insight into these D’Argents roots, I want to go back and start reading them all over again. A well-deserved standing ovation for Tamara Leigh, and as the D’Argent’s would pronounce her – WORTHY!!
Profile Image for Gretchen.
408 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2021
What a journey!

While I knew some of this story for it having been shared with D’Argent sons in other tales, it still completely kept me engaged with further details and getting to know our hero and heroine more deeply. It was so fun to catch a snip here and there relating to the tales of the D’Argent children and cousin, and related characters, and then to see the growing family that began with Godfroi and his Robine. A beginning, an ending, and yet another beginning still.
Profile Image for Roberta.
16 reviews
September 16, 2021
The Start and the Conclusion

This was a great conclusion to the Age of Conquest series by taking us back to the the original D’Argent woman who indeed started it all—Robine. We are introduced to an array of characters with lessons to learn and be taught. The story of the love that had to be built between Robine and Godfroid was the central theme. It was a story of how love and faith can overcome great odds, be they emotional or physical, or even spiritual. It was a story laced with forgiveness and restoration with a lovely ending that had me in tears—good tears at that. 🥰
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
September 20, 2021
What a fitting way to end this wonderful series--with the story of where it all began. And that epilogue... All the hearts (and a few tears as well).

If I were to sum up this series in one quote, it would be this:

"Is it not the hard things overcome that most strengthen us?"

Indeed, and this series is a glorious way to absorb that truth.

Bring on the next series!
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
September 27, 2021
Breathtakingly beautiful…

“It is as if after the Lord formed all of Godfroi D’Argent, He decided there was too much black about him and painted in bits of silver to remind him there must be light as well.”

This…the story that told of how the Wulfrith family will become a legend was a truly phenomenal read. I enjoyed how the theme carried to “It all began with a woman.” This woman, Robine L’Épée and Godfroi D’Argent were truly an inspiring couple and will make you want to read the rest of the series all over again. The love. The hatred. The passion to fight through the war of man and mind to hold to the greatest gift of love. I was entranced by each page in this daunting story that brought all the generations together in answering the question “where did it all begin?”

‘“Be assured I will do all in my strength not to fail the one I love,”’

Thank you, Tamara Leigh for exceeding my expectations of this incredible saga. As I finished this story in a flood of emotions, I felt enthralled and yet, already missed the Wulfrith family. I loved the history, the adventures, and definitely the romance. The ending answered so many questions about them, too. I’m excited to read the next adventure as I wait on baited breath to see where she will take me next.

As always, Leigh brought historical romance to life in this conquering adventure where the true conquest is of the heart and soul. This may be her best story, yet. So don’t miss it!

“… he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” ~ “Ecclesiastes 3: 11 KJV”

I was graciously given a copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.
Profile Image for Nicole.
880 reviews78 followers
October 6, 2021
Great series you never want to end.
I have absolutely loved each journey into this time of war, rebellion and healing.
And now we can read about the two people who brought some of those very special D'argent people into this world.
If you have read the first three books in the series you get the gist of what happens in Godfroi and Robine's story, but Tamara Leigh takes you inside their story, with all the twists, turns, triumphs and hardships.
I was so impressed with how she took this tale and wove such depth and hope into it.
It has all the trademark elements of any of her other stories, yet feels fresh.
This bookis unique in the way that it covers a much longer period of time then her other books, but it perfectly fits the story.
Oh and one of my favorite things was seeing young Guarin and Cyr! I loved this look at how they were when they were young. Makes me want to go and reread their stories.
Robine really shone as a heroine in this tale, she grows so much and has her moments of weakness and flaws but I so admire her strength and how she comes out of each hard time, so inspiring!
This book just has so much, but I can't spoil!!!!
If you love medieval fiction that feels authentic, with real feeling characters and a strong redemptive message, I highly recommend this whole series for an adultor mature reader!
12 reviews
September 17, 2021
It All Begins With A Leigh

She does it again. Rarely do I have to put a book down only part way through because I’m too emotionally invested in it. With Tamara there is always a point where I’m so annoyed or frustrated with a character (or more) that I have to lay aside the story.

Then, once I have shored up enough defenses against the emotional onslaught, I delve back in, only to be sucked further and deeper than I can imagine. As every word rips away the wall I tried to erect around my heart, I come to love each character worth redemption. Which is pretty much all, with a few exceptions. Sorry I’m not God 😉 This book does not disappoint.

By the way, I would say a good chunk of this book was read in the middle of the night when I SHOULD be sleeping.


12 reviews
September 19, 2021
Mesmerizing

I have read every one of Tamara Leigh's books!! DAUNTLESS is her crowning jewel. I have never been so emotionally invested in a story. Being teary eyed or choked up were constant companions on this journey, but not from sadness. Ms Leigh's ability to touch the heart with glorious spiritual truth is second to no fiction writer. She can bring our precious Lord into your reading room in such a way that His Presence overwhelms the heart. Those of you who aren't looking for this kind of story, fear not. The story itself is mesmerizing!
Profile Image for English .
837 reviews
August 5, 2022
Wow, what a way to end a series, by taking it back to the beginning! Or rather before the beginning with the parents of the protagonists from the earlier books. The final chapter ties everything in beautifully with Tamara's Age of Faith series, but I don't want to give away too much.

Dauntless was a fantastic book which chronicled the beginning of a family saga. Although its counted as a "romance" the protagonists are married at the very beginning, and the book recounts the course of their marriage over several years when they are separated by war and the demands of rule, then an event which threatens to tear them apart.

Forgiveness, grace and understanding must win through with a story that shows characters struggling with real things in the real world. All the characters are flawed: and that makes them better. More realistic and relatable. Grace would not be needed for perfect characters. Pride, arrogance, judgementalism and hatred are all things the characters must wrestle with and choose how to respond to, and those choices are what moves the story forwards.

I also loved how the author managed to tell a story that would appeal to modern Evangelicals but still make the Wulfrith/D'Argent family a realistic part of the 11th century world (and it’s not just a small part of the world as in some previous books). All to often I have found Christian Medieval Fiction to be a trade-off between accuracy and marketability. The characters are often little more than modern Evangelicals in costume who espouse modern beliefs and attitudes designed to appeal to a modern Christian audience
In Tamara Leigh’s recent books, this is not the case. Her characters seem to be very much "of their time" which is important to me.

I would not just recommend It for the religious market but for general readers who like clean historical fiction as well. The Age of Conquest series might be Tamara Leigh's best series yet: but I have yet to start her new Age of Honor series, which might be even better.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books22 followers
September 29, 2021
My review today is on the Medieval Romance, Dauntless. This is book eight in the series, Age of Conquest. I'm a huge fan of Tamara Leigh's so I was thrilled when this was released. It's amazing and answers so many questions about the D'Argents. It is how it all began. I know you are going to love it.

Godfroi and Hugh D'Argents are identical twins. The midwife did not mark which child was born first so upon them coming of age there must be a contest of arms. The winner becomes the Baron of Valeur, the rightful heir, and the husband of Lady Robine, (a girl of only fourteen years) Godfroi wins the contest and Hugh leaves. Godfroi refuses to take the Lady Robine as his wife for she is but a child. (she still has with her a doll) He takes her home to her father but then he returns for her but refuses to bed her.

Lady Robine is from the family of L'Epee an enemy to the D'Argents. Rumors has it that they killed the Baron. Robine wants nothing to do with the marriage but has no choice in the matter. She doesn't care which of the brothers wins for they are both alike. She runs into the brothers when she tries to escape her step- mother. She is carrying the only thing left of her mother; a cloth doll her mother had made for her as a young girl. The brothers think she is playing with the doll while in reality she just wants her mother close on her wedding day. The wedding takes place but her husband wants nothing to do with her until she grows up, two to four years.

A great journey that has not had a great start. Both of these souls will need to grow into their roles and all fates has for them will try to pull them apart. God has a plan for these two a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews43 followers
September 28, 2021
The tag line for this series has been,
“It all started with a woman.” Well, you could actually say, “It all started and ENDED with a woman.”
What do you do when you know that this is the end of a Tamara Leigh series? You cry BIG time and try to read as slow as possible, but you can’t because it’s so good and you REALLY want to see how it finishes.
Well, these have been my struggles for the last couple of days. I knew this was the last book in the Age of Conquest series, and yet, it actually was the first?!
Tamara Leigh made this story come full circle in the series. She made the end of the series the beginning. I loved this because it tied up all the characters and storylines so beautifully!
We got answers to many questions and saw just how “it all started with a woman.”
Tamara Leigh is a skilled storyteller. Each of her books is an invitation to travel back in time to an era we can only imagine. She brings the medieval world, to life.
From the pageantry of the customs to the action of the fighting, as well as the language of the time, there is nothing left amiss.
Tamara Leigh weaves a tell so vivid you’d think it’s real, and you don’t want it to end.
In this story, you’ll find intrigue, drama, the desire to right wrongs, strong relationships, and struggles over passions that are too fierce to ignore.
Can a wrong be made, right? Can love triumph?
You will only know if you pick this book up and read it.
I highly recommend this and ALL of Tamara Leigh’s books. Her storytelling will captivate you so much, you will not want to miss one of her books!
Profile Image for Grace Albert.
7 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2022
"All it required was three - God, you, and me."

The last book in the Age of Conquest series, we travel to 1036, to where it all began. This book is the best of the Age of Conquest series. The characters, the dialogue, the spiritual content, the imagery...everything was beyond what I'd imagined, far surpassing it.

I loved how much spiritual content was in this book. But then, both Godfroi and Robine underwent experiences that would shake their faith. There was so much emphasis on how God must do the healing, not on how strong physically or mentally the individual was. "Faith is an easy thing to accept or reject when one's trials can be overcome without aid, far harder to accept or reject when overcoming them seems - or proves - out of reach." Leigh portrayed both the main characters' struggles so realistically. There was anger, grief, disbelief, deception. But there was forgiveness, willingness, grace, and love.

The characters were simply the best thing ever. I've been waiting to be introduced to Godfroi and Robine from the previous books in the series, and I was not disappointed! There were times when I laughed, cringed, and cried as I became acquainted with them with each turn of the page. They were so realistic. I loved seeing the character growth of aloof, hardened Godfroi and dreaming, immature Robine into individuals of character, wrought through trials and disasters. It was just the cutest that Robine loved cats, and Godfroi despised them. (Of course, that fact changed as the book progressed.) I also loved getting to know young Guarin and Cyr. They were so dorbs. There were also hints of their own character traits that would follow them to manhood (fearless, merciless).

So, go read this book. Read of the challenges these characters faced, read of their love, and read of their determination to stay dauntless through it all.
69 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2021
Oh wow how I loved this book. I have read and loved the Age of Faith Series about the Wulfrith family and then I read Age of Conquest about the beginning of the Wulfrith family all of these books I loved but this one, Dauntless, the very beginning, Godfroi and Robine, which really is the first book, was probably the best of them all and that is saying a lot as they were all fantastic. I loved the story of Godfroi and Robine, loved their struggles, their forgiveness, their love, their family, it was just a beautiful book and it also went back to when William the Conqueror was a young boy.
Everything about this book was wonderful, I have just bought it for my husband as well as we don't share our kindles and I know he will love the book as much as I did. Tamara is a wonderful author, and after reading Dauntless I just want to go back and read all the others again. Thank you Tamara for wonderful hours spent reading a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Meredith Resce.
Author 39 books71 followers
December 9, 2021
I've read a number of Tamara Leigh's novels in this series - Age of Conquest - this being book number 8. Like the others, it took a while for me to adjust to the language. Leigh takes pains to make sure the language reflects the age in which the book is set, just prior to the Norman invasion of England. For the most part, she keeps her language and plot within the realms of what would be normal life for people living in the middle ages.
The story involves plenty of tension and drama, and complications the like of which takes a miracle of the heart to resolve.
I've enjoyed reading this series, and if you enjoy tales of a time long before that which we are familiar with, you will enjoy these stories.
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
December 18, 2021
An incredible end to an incredible series!! Even though I hate to see it end, DAUNTLESS was a wonderful story of where it (the series) all began. Amazing characters! Gripping storylines! Action, adventure, loss, triumph, the AGE OF CONQUEST series had it all. Definitely on my “favorites” list, and a series I will re-read in the future. Thanks to Rel Mollet for championing the writings of Tamara Leigh. It is because of her reviews and highlights that I decided to give this series a try. I am not one to read period pieces, but Rel made it sound so good, I had to give it a try. I have now read all of Tamara Leigh’s medieval tales and enjoyed every one of them. I can’t wait for the AGE OF HONOR series, coming soon.
Profile Image for Kat.
1,147 reviews19 followers
October 10, 2021
I’ve waited what seems like forever for this book. There just aren’t words to describe the depth of emotion within this book! It is actually a look back into the lives of the parents and grandparents of the Seer and his brothers and sister. I listened to the audiobook because I love the narrator, Mary Sarah Agliotta because she brings so much feeling and magic with her narration. This is the culmination that sews up and brings together all of the previous books and characters. Have tissues though cuz I cried buckets. I loved it, it’s a fantastic series, and the narration adds so much to the stories. To me this is more than a 5 Star rating, buts that’s all that’s allowed. ❤️❤️
8 reviews
October 9, 2021
Splendid D’Argent Worthy Read

Such a magnificent end to a monumental series. If you are looking a deeper reading experience, this book is for you. Tamara Leigh has weaved through Godfroi and Robine’s marriage the need of God, faith, truth, and forgiveness in order to overcome the challenges of marriage and family. I miss the D’Argent family and will revisit this series and book again.
Profile Image for Cynthia Izon.
20 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2022
This was my favorite of the Age of Conquest series. I had some late nights as I had a hard time putting it down. I finished reading it this weekend and needed tissues at the end. Such a beautiful and moving story! It is one of faith, forgiveness, and love. I hate when I come to the end of one of her books. Thankfully she continues to write. I am looking forward to the next one. But I just love the story of Godfroi and Robine!
Profile Image for Amber Thiessen.
Author 1 book39 followers
February 5, 2024
It's pretty neat she left the story of Godfroi and Robine, the parents, until the last of the series. This is a beautiful weaving of complicated personalities and seemingly impossible situations, into a blanket of love and forgiveness made possible only by strength from the Lord.

And oh my heart, the ending...what a conclusion to this series of characters we've seen battle and struggle, to have love prevail.

If you've started this series, you gotta stay for the end.
6 reviews
April 13, 2025
I love Tamera Leigh.

I hesitated to read this book because I thought I would know this story, especially after reading every book in the series. I was so wrong. The depth of feeling she conveyed through the struggles and triumphs of each of these characters was beyond good. It was amazing.

I was happy, I cried, and I felt at peace when the series ended.

I cannot express how good this was and how much I loved it!!! 5/5
Profile Image for Carol Ritter.
2 reviews
September 25, 2021
Moving and emotionally resonant

I am a huge fan of Ms. Keith's medieval romances but this one in particular burrowed into my heart and left me emotionally drained. For as much as these are fictional characters, I lived their story with them as though I read a history and not a story. Brava.
Profile Image for Liza Lehman.
288 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2022
I loved the last book in this series which goes back to the beginning of the D'Argent line. Such struggles Godfroi and Robine had to overcome! I felt their pain and their joy. A strong theme of forgiveness and redemption permeates throughout.

Story contains semi-closed-door intimate scenes and war violence.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,235 reviews48 followers
December 9, 2021
Here is where it all started with the D'Argents featured in this Age of Conquest series. This book has all the details of the family history alluded to in the previous books making it a fascinating conclusion to the series. I like the really strong faith element.
65 reviews
January 11, 2022
A Beautiful End

Or is there still more to be told? This story seemed to hem in both ends of the age written of seven linked lives. Would that all families could overcome and find such contentment after and through such great losses. Beautiful.
51 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2022
The beginning at the end.

I have loved every story in this series. This maybe my favorite. The spiritual impact of Johannes’ teaching in the lives of these two impacted their entire family.
Profile Image for Angela Landeros.
7 reviews
October 13, 2021
I cried at the end!

I’m never ready for these books to end and I am always ready to start a new one! Beautiful author!
Profile Image for Pilar Tafares.
3 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2022
Another wonderful tale!

Beautifully written, great plot, it was a wonderful read! Thank you Tamara for another wonderful tale! It was a joy to read!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,377 reviews25 followers
April 4, 2022
Full

Now we know how it all began. A beautiful story of forgiveness, growth, and love. All made stronger through the grace of God.
4 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2022
I love ALL of her books and it’s hard to pick a favorite…but I think this is the one!!! I love the family legacy and especially love the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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