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Hugh and Bess: A Love Story

by Susan Higginbotham (Goodreads Author)

3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 · rating details · 615 ratings · 74 reviews

As the eldest daughter of the new Earl of Salisbury, young Bess de Montacute -- just 13 years old -- is anticipating a suitable match. When King Edward III and her father choose Hugh le Despenser, the son and grandson of disgraced traitors, as her husband, she is aghast. Meanwhile, Hugh must give up the woman he loves to marry the reluctant Bess.
Far apart in age and hau

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Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Published August 1st 2009 by Sourcebooks Landmark (first published October 29th 2007)

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Aug 25, 2012 Nattie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a good quick read. Only a drag or two here and there. The same cannot be said about Susan's The traitor's wife, I read that one a couple days before this and I still have an ache in my head.
As good as this book is, it got on my nerves something awful. Bess is still 12 when set to marry Hugh, and 13 when they wed. Her father asks Hugh not to "take" his little Bess until she is 14. No matter how many times I come across such doings in historical fiction, my lip still curls. Children, usua...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Jill Myles rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a hard one to review. REALLY hard. I think it's because my expectations != book.

So sometimes I want a really meaty historical fiction. I'm not a big fan of Tudors but I love dark ages books, mostly because I love the details. This book was light on details and heavy on relationships. Which is okay, except that I had a huge problem with the relationship in this book. This is the story of thirteen year old Bess who marries 32 year old Hugh.

GAH. I know. They don't really consummate the marr...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Cynthia Haggard rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

HUGH and BESS by Susan Higginbotham continues the story of the le Despencer family begun in her first novel TRAITOR’S WIFE, by talking about the heir of Hugh le Despencer the Younger (also called Hugh le Despencer), and his young wife Bess de Montacute. As the back-cover copy says, who would want to marry this Hugh le Despencer? For he is the son and grandson of traitors. Yet fourteen-year-old Bess de Montacute is told she must marry this fellow.

She is not pleased.

What follows is a love story i...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the novel Hugh and Bess, historical author Susan Higginbotham returns to fourteenth century England. In what is more of a continuation or sequel to The Traitor's Wife than a stand-alone novel, Higginbotham explores the life of Eleanor le Despenser's oldest son Hugh, heir to the Despenser family. As the son of a convicted traitor, Hugh must rebuild his family's reputation and take care of his younger siblings while navigating court games and ever-changing intrigues.

In particular, Higginbotham...more In the novel Hugh and Bess, historical author Susan Higginbotham returns to fourteenth century England. In what is more of a continuation or sequel to The Traitor's Wife than a stand-alone novel, Higginbotham explores the life of Eleanor le Despenser's oldest son Hugh, heir to the Despenser family. As the son of a convicted traitor, Hugh must rebuild his family's reputation and take care of his younger siblings while navigating court games and ever-changing intrigues.

In particular, Higginbotham focuses her novel Hugh and Bess (okay, maybe it's more of a novella) on a love story between Hugh le Despenser and young Elizabeth "Bess," a well-to-do earl's daughter. After being widowed at the age of eleven, young Bess has been living with her family, waiting for her next husband. When the king suggests the match between Bess and Hugh le Despenser, her parents could hardly resist -even though the Despenser family is regarded as traitors and have a horrid past with the crown. Reluctantly, Bess marries Hugh, and finds that Hugh still has feelings for another woman. As Bess matures, she finds that marrying Hugh wasn't as detestable as she thought...

While the backbone of this story is a semi-steamy romance, Higginbotham also made sure there was plenty of room for history and oh-so-exciting court intrigue, as well as character development. Though young Bess starts out as a frivolous young girl, she grows in a mature and fascinating woman by the story's end. I became so interested in Bess, in fact, that I didn't want the story to end. She was still very young at the end and, as mentioned in the after word, Bess went on to do other things in her life, which could have been absolutely fascinating to explore. I really would have liked to see the story expanded into a heftier novel so it could stand apart from The Traitor's Wife more and give Bess more attention -though, of course, this would change the "love story" approach suggested by the novel's title, but it could be done and probably make the book even better.

It was also interesting to see a few flashbacks to events that took place during those documented in The Traitor's Wife to Hugh, though I thought it was just a tiny bit conceited -almost fit too perfectly together.

But I can't complain -Hugh and Bess is another lovely historical novel from Higginbotham! (less)

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Apr 23, 2011 Steven Peterson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoy historical fiction, with the emphasis more on the history than the fiction. In this tale written by Susan Higginbotham, the emphasis is more on the story of an historical couple than the history itself. But it works nicely!

One of the key protagonists in this novel is Hugh le Despenser. Seldom could anyone have been so unlucky to have acquired a name! His father and grandfather had also had that name, and they died being tortured and disgraced because of their hold over the rather weak Ed...more

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Jan 19, 2011 Jennbarnes rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hugh and Bess is the story of Hugh le Despenser and his marriage to Bess de Montacute during the reign of Edward II in England. I would say it falls into the Historical romance category but it is by no means a bodice ripper, in fact I thought it was a very sweet love story. Most of the first half of the book is taken up by the back story of Hugh's family and his life before he met Bess. I liked that the author explored the human side of his father and did not stereotype him based on what history...more

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Oct 25, 2009 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not to be over dramatic, but this book came at the PERFECT time in my life. I literally JUST finished “Three Day Road” by Joseph Boyden, and while not being a BAD book, it was not an overly HAPPY one. And from the first sentence of Hugh and Bess I knew that it was going to be a delightful read. Which it totally WAS. I LOVED IT.

I really do not know much about Edward II, but interestingly enough I DID know about the standoff at Calais so parts of the book were very cool for that reason. What I LO...more Not to be over dramatic, but this book came at the PERFECT time in my life. I literally JUST finished “Three Day Road” by Joseph Boyden, and while not being a BAD book, it was not an overly HAPPY one. And from the first sentence of Hugh and Bess I knew that it was going to be a delightful read. Which it totally WAS. I LOVED IT.

I really do not know much about Edward II, but interestingly enough I DID know about the standoff at Calais so parts of the book were very cool for that reason. What I LOVED about the novel is that each of the characters had a very distinctive VOICE. And Bess’s voice is so endearing, I liked her immediately. She is only 13 when we meet her, and she is a widow (thaaaat’s right.. I said WIDOW) and her parents have figured she had been widowing around long enough and it was high time for her to be married off.. again. Bess is not impressed, to say the least, especially when she finds out that her dear friend Joan is marrying her brother Will who is around their age, and Bess has to marry this old guy who is a whole 32 years old for heaven’s sake!
Eventhough this novel is set in the 14th century Bess's character is, in many ways, very typical of a any thirteen year old girl. For example how she is secretly annoyed at the fact the Joan has developed breasts long before she has.

"So why didn't you tell me? Don't you want to marry Will?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I have my reasons."
This had become Joan's favourite saying since she had started her monthly courses and developed those breasts of hers.

She is feisty, and outspoken, but also self conscious. All completely endearing qualities. Hugh, although relatively handsome, has a dark family history which horrifies Bess. But since she has no choice in the matter agrees to marry him.

Flashbacks to Hugh's past help us to understand his character and how it is vastly different to that of his distasteful and cruel father and Grandfather. He is a respectable and lovely man who is always trying to "do the right thing". We also learn of Emma, Hugh's first real love whom he will never be permitted to marry. A very respectable woman in her own right, who knows the rules of the court well enough to know she will never be married to Hugh, the only man she has ever really loved.

Throughout the story we are gently taken along as Hugh and Bess's feelings for one another grow, and we learn that their love is the stuff of fairy tales. That, which is to say, is not without its nightmares.

"Hugh and Bess" is a love story, and it is very well written and lovely to read. Personally, I could not put it down and read it in two days. And I will be ordering Higginbotham's other book "The Traitor's Wife" and then "The Stolen Crown" when it comes out. If this book is any indication of the story telling ability of the author than I know I will LOVE her other books as well. Historical fiction can be tricky. You need to have enough HISTORY to frame the story in it's place in time, but not TOO much and not TOO DRY to make it like a text book. Higginbotham's historical fiction blends the "historical" and the "fiction" perfectly. In fact, in my opinion, the mark of a great historical fiction novel is that you want to go on after you finish it and devour anything having to do with the family or historical persons portrayed in the book. Higginbotham's novel made me want to do that very thing. Also, the mark of ANY good book is at the very very end, when you finally close its cover , you actually sigh audibly as in "that was SUCH a great book."
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Aug 21, 2009 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading and loving The Traitor’s Wife, I eagerly anticipated Higginbotham’s sequel of sorts, Hugh and Bess. When it finally did arrive, I became so wrapped up in the soapy romantic drama that I dropped everything and finished it in a day. The story centers on a young Elizabeth de Montacute or Bess, the daughter of favored Earl and the much older, Hugh le Despenser, a wealthy (yet disgraced) Lord. Hugh’s grandfather and father were executed as traitors, and Hugh’s father was accused of adul...more After reading and loving The Traitor’s Wife, I eagerly anticipated Higginbotham’s sequel of sorts, Hugh and Bess. When it finally did arrive, I became so wrapped up in the soapy romantic drama that I dropped everything and finished it in a day. The story centers on a young Elizabeth de Montacute or Bess, the daughter of favored Earl and the much older, Hugh le Despenser, a wealthy (yet disgraced) Lord. Hugh’s grandfather and father were executed as traitors, and Hugh’s father was accused of adultery and sodomy with the former King. Hugh himself was imprisoned missing a near execution himself, but is now working hard to restore his family’s honor. Bess is understandably horrified at marriage into a family with such a reputation, and Hugh is honored by the match in theory, but he is in love with another woman. Can they find happiness in a marriage that neither sought and both are entering with reluctance?

At the heart of Hugh and Bess is a love story. Higginbotham manages to give Hugh and Bess an electric chemistry that compels throughout the historical drama. What makes the plot successful is Higginbotham’s tendency to ground the story in known facts then realistically elaborate the humanistic elements. For example, Bess begins the story at 13, and she reads and feels—13. This is a refreshing change from the tiny calculating power hungry seven-year-old cliché that dominates the historical fiction genre. Those who have read The Traitor’s Wife will be pleased as we get a few more glimpses of favorite characters. And this story takes care to fill in gaps in time, and show that story from different perspectives. You’ll want to read the Traitor’s Wife if you haven’t not because it is necessary for Hugh and Bess, but because it’s a great novel.

That said; the last few chapters seem to drag. We’ve moved on from a lot of the action, and not to spoil and plot lines, but the climatic challenges that face the couple, and the ensuing chapters read like and after thought. It was almost as if Higginbotham had fallen in love with her characters and was unwilling to let go. Also, having read The Traitor’s Wife, and other historical works of the time, I still found it hard to place some of the minor characters. It doesn’t help that the English nobility of the time only used a couple of family names repeatedly, ie, Elizabeth, Hugh, Edward, Isabella, Joan, William, etc… A little more guidance and more thorough introductions would have been helpful.

However by focusing on the romance, Higginbotham delivers a relatable historical fiction piece that transcends generations. If you (like me) just can’t get enough of these English court novels, I’m certain you’ll love Hugh and Bess.
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Dec 31, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: medieval-historical-fiction, historical-fiction

This is a very quick, easy read that focuses almost entirely on Hugh le Despenser and Elizabeth de Montacute, fondly known as Bess. It is a very effective sequel to "The Traitor's Wife," and provides a brief view of the political climate following the downfall of the Despenser family (the storyline of the previous book) as well as the advent of what became known as the Black Death.

It was interesting to follow Hugh and Bess's marriage as it developed through the rocky days of their early union an...more

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Jan 09, 2010 Lori Anderson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I really enjoyed Higgenbotham's first book, "The Traitor's Wife", so was looking forward to "Hugh and Bess". Unfortunately, I didn't think this book held up. It could have been the history itself -- "The Traitor's Wife" had a far more active story to build upon, while "Hugh and Bess" was a calmer love story. I also kept finding myself comparing her to Sharon Kay Penman, which was totally unfair -- Penman is just hard to beat.

The book was far from horrible, and I did enjoy it -- it just didn't ro...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Gaile rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 14th-century

An easy and dreamy read, written against the background of the reign of Edward III.
Young Elizabeth De Montacute is first married while still a child. The groom being old, the
marriage was never consummated and on his death Bess returned to her home only to find
herself betrothed to another, Hugh Le Despenser, whom father and grandfather had been
executed for treason. Bess is defiant, Hugh reluctant being in love with another. The
marriage contract is hammered out with all the vigilance of a mortga...more

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Jan 23, 2010 Tara Chevrestt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, women-that-really-existed-fiction, blew-me-away-list

Hugh is the son and grandson both of traitors who have been executed. Bess is much dismayed at being told that she is to marry him and at the mere age of thirteen. Thankfully, he must wait one year to bed her. But when that year is up...

This is not an exciting, pulse pouding tale. There is no great mystery. Nor is there scandal to make one gasp in shock or dismay. Rather, it is a love story. It is about marriage and how if nurtured properly and with an open mind, a seed can become a flower. It i...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Rio (Lynne) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, historical-romance

This is the follow up to The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II. You can read it alone, but I don't think you will enjoy it as well if you don't read them in order. The first 75 pages recaps what happened from Hugh's experience during The Traitor's Wife, which I enjoyed. In this book Hugh is trying to bring honor back to the le Despenser name. As for "the love story" I never warmed to Bess. She acted more like a 14 year old in current times, than a 14 year old in medieval times. I...more

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Jan 03, 2010 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed "Hugh and Bess" by Susan Higginbotham as much as her first novel "The Traitor's Wife". Writing about real people who are less well known (or not really known at all) very much appeals to me. I appreciate learning about how they might have lived, what their relations might have been with the more well known people, and how they might have viewed the time period they lived in. Another plus for me is that" Hugh and Bess" has continued the Despenser family saga since the Hugh in the title...more

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May 03, 2013 Carolyn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-700-1600

It was ok I guess. The ages of the characters didn't bother me, though I have read in the reviews that it did some. It wasn't really all that much about Hugh and Bess, more about what was going on at the time. The cover says "A novel following in the footsteps of Jean Plaidy..." and this is very true. Jean Plaidy's books were big on history, but she was not a good storyteller. (Among the most boring historical fiction I have ever read btw) SH is not nearly so bad, but the book did not pull me in...more

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Jun 10, 2010 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hugh and Bess is the sequel to The Traitor's Wife. It is a much lighter novel than The Traitor's Wife however, focusing on the efforts of Hugh Le Despenser to overcome the stigma of being the son and grandson of traitors. After years of striving to prove his loyalty to the crown, Hugh becomes engaged to the teenaged Elizabeth de Montacute (Bess). Bess is horrified to learn about her betrothed's family history and is forced to marry him against her will. Against the odds, Bess learns to love her...more Hugh and Bess is the sequel to The Traitor's Wife. It is a much lighter novel than The Traitor's Wife however, focusing on the efforts of Hugh Le Despenser to overcome the stigma of being the son and grandson of traitors. After years of striving to prove his loyalty to the crown, Hugh becomes engaged to the teenaged Elizabeth de Montacute (Bess). Bess is horrified to learn about her betrothed's family history and is forced to marry him against her will. Against the odds, Bess learns to love her husband and to forgive him for his unsavory family history.

To me, the biggest strength of Hugh and Bess is Higginbotham's excellent characterization of the main characters. Higginbotham created a believable response to the trauma that Hugh experienced as the son and grandson of traitors and the difficulty he faced in simultaneously mourning his family while also seeking to re-enter English society after a long imprisonment as a person worthy of status and respect - i.e. proving that he is nothing like his grasping father. Hugh is a very real character - both deeply connected to his time, but also highly introspective and passionate. Similarly, Bess is a very real character too. Like Hugh, she is well rooted in her time period, but also has very realistic emotional responses and insecurities to her position as the wife of Hugh Le Despenser.

Hugh and Bess is definitely a historical romance but is also well rooted in historical fact. Higginbotham strives to remain true to the factual record and provides a comprehensive author's note to detail deviations. The main characters are not particularly important, but they are interesting nonetheless and provide a good window into medieval society.

I recommend this book for its romantic appeal and as a character study. While none of the main characters were particularly historically important (compared to The Traitor's Wife, which centered on the downfall of Edward II, the ruthless Queen Isabella and Mortimer, and King Edward's favorites) it was a worthy sequel and an interesting novel in it's own right. While Hugh and Bess can be read as a stand alone novel, I think it is best appreciated when read along with The Traitor's Wife. Four stars.(less)

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Aug 01, 2009 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, historical-fiction, read-in-2009

Elizabeth de Montecute (Bess) is not a happy camper when she learns she is to be married to the son of the notorious Hugh le Despenser, lover to King Edward II. The fact that the son is nothing like the father does nothing to assuage her displeasure.

Now, Hugh is no more thrilled about the arrangement than Bess, but he’s a realist and when the king offers you an heiress and daughter of his closest advisors, you take it!

After the grisly execution of his father, the third Hugh le Despenser was imp...more

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May 26, 2010 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, chick-lit

I read this a few days ago, and totally forgot that I had finished it - that's how memorable this book was to me. I went into it expecting more of the historical, but there was little detail involved. I was also slightly creeped out by the fact that there was such a huge gap in their ages (Bess was 13, Hugh was 32), and I get that that is historically fairly accurate, but for him to have fallen in love with her at first sight seemed to say rather sad, sick things about his character.
I suppose I...more

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Aug 01, 2010 Phair rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 28, 2010 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-edition

Not as meaty as The Traitor's Wife, but still awfully good. I'm very glad I read that one first as I would have been a bit lost if I hadn't. The story line about Hugh le Despenser the 3rd and how he puts his life back together after his release from prison is another good story. I haven't completely figured out the attraction to Bess although she was pretty and rich but those were much different times.

I really do think that both The Traitor's Wife and Hugh & Bess should be read together as...more

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Oct 09, 2009 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I did not read "The Traitor's Wife", the prequel to this novel, but I saw this one at the library and figured I'd give it a try. It was somewhat lighter than the usual historical fiction I read, but that's not necessarily a criticism. This was much more character-driven, as another reviewer says, "soapy melodrama", but fun! A quick, entertaining read, lighter on the historical background and more of a romance, I guess. I would recommend it to fans of lighter historical fiction and with reservati...more

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Aug 14, 2009 Carla Nayland added it · review of another edition

Bess de Montacute, pretty, sharp, wealthy and thirteen, is not at all happy when she is told she is to marry Hugh le Despenser, aged 32 and the son and grandson of disgraced traitors. For his part, Hugh has mixed feelings - marrying into Bess's family is highly desirable, but Hugh is already in love with another woman of lower social status. Can this seemingly ill-matched couple forge a successful marriage together? Charming short tale of life and love in aristocratic fourteenth-century England....more

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May 10, 2013 ladywallingford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

I had meant to read this one right after I read The Traitor's Wife by the same author but alas, here I am over a year later and just now finishing it.

Hugh and Bess is a sequel to The Traitor's Wife (with a few flashbacks from the point of view of Hugh le Despenser the son) and tells the story of the marriage between Hugh and Elizabeth de Montacute.

What I didn't like: I didn't always know the emotion of the scene. The biggest example coming to mind is the morning after Bess gets drunk and flirts...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Kirstin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: european-royalty, england

Susan Higginbotham, you did not let me down. This is my third book of hers and I think it was my favorite. It is a love story at its roots and you really do find yourself cheering Bess and Hugh along in their relationship. It was an arranged marriage, of course, and Hugh's family history didn't exactly make him the ideal husband. Bess soon learns that one's past isn't everything after all.

This book was an easy read and very enjoyable. There aren't any big surprises or twists and turns, but it di...more

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Jun 18, 2010 Veens rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read, arc, won-in-giveaway

Set in the 1300s, Hugh and Bess by Susan Higginbotham is a great historical novel about 2 people brought together by fate and there lives under the rule of Edward III.
Elizabeth de Montecute (Bess) is not happy when she learns that she is to be married to Hugh Le Despenser whose father, Hugh Le Despenser the second, was the lover to King Edward II and who was executed in a very gruesome manner along with his grandfather. Young Hugh after the death of his father had to spend sometime in prison un...more

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Feb 26, 2010 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Hugh and Bess is the medieval story of two people who were not a love match at first sight. Young Bess Montagu expected to marry high due to her father's (William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury) high standing in the royal ranks. She never expected to have to marry a man whose very name of Despenser was known as traitorous, due to both Hugh's father and grandfather having been executed at Queen Isabella's orders in 1326. But Hugh was working hard to restore his family name, and he knew it woul...more Hugh and Bess is the medieval story of two people who were not a love match at first sight. Young Bess Montagu expected to marry high due to her father's (William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury) high standing in the royal ranks. She never expected to have to marry a man whose very name of Despenser was known as traitorous, due to both Hugh's father and grandfather having been executed at Queen Isabella's orders in 1326. But Hugh was working hard to restore his family name, and he knew it would please the king and himself to marry someone so close to royal favor. Hugh at 32 was also much older than Bess was; she was 14 and had naturally been hoping for a match that would be with someone closer to her age (and rank). We learn about Hugh's upbringing and the effects of being a traitor's son, and we meet Bess at a very young age as she is growing up within an exalted family.

As Susan tells it, the marriage was rough for a year so, and then especially so when Bess found her trusted friend in bed with her husband. Emma had become Bess's friend after she had been Hugh's mistress for years before he had married, which is something Bess had not known. Somehow, they got past the infidelity and fell in love with each other. They soon had a happy marriage, although childless. Sadly, the ending is not quite a happy one, and as I finished the story I had to struggle to maintain my composure. The beginning of the story started off with more of the historical facts of the times, where there were uprisings between the factions for Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer, versus those who were for the king. The history lessons abate as we get more into the marriage between Hugh and Bess. The history and the marriage are very interesting (perhaps in reality the marriage wasn't all that interesting) and even in the author's note we learn that the story still has so much more to tell.

I truly enjoyed this charming medieval love story, and however much is fictitious as far as the "love" part may be, it doesn't detract from the amount of historical detail that Susan imparts. I would see this as an excellent introduction to the years circa 1335 in England. There is quite a bit of information on the Edward the II and the III and many historical figures were also mentioned. There are not a multitude of encyclopedic facts to weigh the main story down, so those who have no idea about those particular years in England need not fear of being lost in the details. I would have liked to see a genealogical chart, as I always enjoy those; both Hugh Despenser and Bess each had enough siblings that could have gotten confusing. I truly enjoyed the characterizations of the two main characters, and I always wonder how true to life my historical reads are. I would hate to be disappointed but there doesn't seem to be alot of information available online as far as this particular Despenser. I am certainly intrigued enough to browse around for some other reads of the time period, such as Queen Isabella by Alison Weir which has been on my shelf for almost two years now.

Hugh and Bess: A Love Story by Susan Higginbotham is a fast and fun historical piece of work that I recommend to anyone who enjoys their history with a lot of love, romance and entertainment. Even though a love story, it also had its share of stark reality, such as the poignant scenes owing to the Black Death. This was my first Susan Higginbotham novel, but it won't be my last. Her wit and subtle humor shine through in this telling, and it helps to make this an easy read. Although this novel stands alone, Susan's earlier novel The Traitor's Wife, focuses on Hugh's father. The Stolen Crown: A Novel of the Wars of the Roses will be published in March 2010. Although the writing style is still with the same easy wit, The Stolen Crown is steeped with much more historical detail and not as quick a read as this one. Visit Susan's blog for more of her insights. And for Edward II facts I must mention Alianore's blog, because she has some very in depth essays there which are quite fun to peruse.
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Dec 15, 2009 Tiffany Williams added it · review of another edition

What would be your first reaction if your parents arranged a marriage for you? What if the spouse they chose was the child of one of the worst traitors of your time? What would you do if you discovered you really did love them?

Who?
Hugh le Despenser: The son and grandson of two traitors to the English crown who is trying to redeem his family name.
Bess de Montacute: The daughter of the Earl of Salisbury, future wife of Hugh.
Emma: Hugh's childhood friend and mistress.
Will de Montacute: Bess's brot...more

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Oct 28, 2009 Misfit rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hugh and Bess are Hugh le Despenser, son of the infamous traitor "Hugh the Younger" and Bess, daughter of William de Montacute Earl of Salisbury. After Hugh's father is executed for treason (drawn and quartered) he is imprisoned for several years, and even when released he is still tainted with the "sins" of his father. Hugh must eventually marry, although the very young Bess is none too thrilled with her parent’s choice of an older groom and a son of a traitor to boot.

The rest of the book deta...more

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Aug 17, 2009 Alaine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult

This books does have a link to Susan Higginbotham's previous release The Traitor's Wife but it is not necessary to read it first. I've got both books but decided to read Hugh and Bess first, primarily because it is smaller and I don't have a lot of time on my hands at the moment. It was very easy to slip into the 1300's and the difficulties of life during that time.

Hugh Le Despenser's father and grandfather where executed when Hugh was a young man. He spent months in prison but eventually was re...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Ana T. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010

I've heard much about Susan Higginbotham's books but I had never tried any when this Hugh and Bess attracted my attention. I know that it is not her first book and that the first - The Traitor's Wife - is a sort of prequel to this story but since I already had this one I couldn't resist picking it up.

I did find it a nice, fast read. It is mostly a romance but with a strong historical background that gives you an idea of what was happening in England at the time. Besides the main families here -...more

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About Susan Higginbotham

I am the author of two historical novels set in fourteenth-century England: The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II and Hugh and Bess. Both were reissued in 2009 by Sourcebooks.

My third novel, The Stolen Crown, is set during the Wars of the Roses. It features Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, and his wife, Katherine Woodville, as narrators. My fourth novel, The Queen of Last Hopes,...more

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Books by Susan Higginbotham

The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England

The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II

The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou

The Prince Who Did Not Become King: Edward of Lancaster, 1453-1471

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Quotes from Hugh and Bess: A Love ...

“Hugh had led men into battle with success and was on reasonably good terms with the king, though they would never be intimates; in any case, his father had been so close to his king that this would probably have to suffice for whole generations of Dipensers.” — 1 person liked it

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Hugh and Bess: A Love Story

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