An enjoyable if somewhat short historical novel. ( )

Hugh and Bess is mostly a love story, well-written and a real page turner, which picks up some 10 years after the end of The Traitor's Wife. Unlike The Traitor's Wife, which was brimming with historical events and detail, this one is mostly about the protagonists' lives and loves, as well as the effects the actions of the previous generation had on the present one. The author's writing is once again captivating, a joy to read. ( )

Susan Higginbotham's Hugh and Bess is, at its heart, a love story. Forced to marry a man several years her elder, one who also happens to be the son of a traitor to the Crown, Bess de Montecute is less than pleased by her match with Hugh le Despenser. While willing to give his new bride a chance, Hugh's heart is already attached to another. Despite a less than promising beginning, Hugh and Bess gradually grow closer and realize their match was, in fact, a good one.

The strengths of Susan Higginbotham's novels rest with her attention to historical detail and solid character development. Hugh and Bess is no exception. While the primary focus of this novel is on the relationship between the title characters, key political, economic and social events of the period are skillfully woven into the story to provide context. The character development is also well done, especially that of Bess, who, over the course of the novel, grows from a sullen, spoiled child into a mature, compassionate and strong young woman.

Well-written and engaging, Hugh and Bess is sure to please fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in the medieval period. Although not necessary, I do recommend that anyone interested in this novel read The Traitor's Wife first, as it tells the story of Hugh's parents. ( )

The author kept her reputation for fantastic research and world-building in this book. From the intimate of everyday life to the historical facts of the Black Death and the continuing life of the Despenser clan, Higginbotham made me live the period and kept me engaged throughout the entire novel.

I liked how three-dimensional Higginbotham makers her characters. She impressed me with her humanizing of figures that history likes to demonize n her previous book I read on the early Despensers. And while there aren’t any of those in this book, she still brings her current characters to vivid life in their own right.

I especially liked the third Hugh. Life has thrown a lot of crap his way, but he doesn’t brood and let it destroy the rest of his life. He pulls his family together and gives them a firm grounding for the future as their patriarch. He faces his obstacles with a great sense of humor and a vast reservoir of courage that I admired.

Great characters, world-building, and historical research make this another winner from Higginbotham. I liked the other book I’ve by her better, but this is a worthy read itself. Highly recommended for lovers of the genre. ( )

Follow up to The Traitors Wife, this tells the story of Hugh Despenser (son of Hugh the younger) and Elizabeth. I enjoyed this book more, as Hugh struggled to re-establish the credibility of Despenser name after his father's death. Huge gap in ages of Huge and Bess, but they come together eventually. Follows Bess as she rebuilds her life after Hugh's death. ( )