Garland of Straw
Roundheads and Cavaliers, Book 2
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Narrated by:
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Alex Wyndham
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By:
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Stella Riley
About this listen
The marriage of a well-bred Royalist lady and an illegitimate Roundhead Colonel is less a match made in heaven than a union doomed to hell. Unfortunately, Sir Robert Brandon's last will and testament leaves Venetia Clifford and Gabriel Brandon with little choice in the matter - deeply though they both resent it.
Their tempestuous relationship is reflected in the stormy events buffeting the nation as England slides inexorably into a second Civil War. Gabriel continues to serve in the New Model Army whilst, behind his back, Venetia engages in clandestine activities on behalf of the King; and the lives of both of them are further complicated when Gabriel's half-brother - to whom Venetia was formerly betrothed - returns from exile.
While the Army and Parliament argue over the fate of the King, Gabriel realises that he has a dangerous enemy and Venetia finally begins to see the man rather than the Roundhead Colonel. As events gather pace, bringing the King to trial, the tangled web of danger and deceit surrounding both Gabriel and Venetia slowly tightens its grip.
Set against the compelling times which led to the execution of Charles l, Garland of Straw is the story of a seemingly impossibly love an also provides further chapters in the lives of characters previously encountered in The Black Madonna and A Splendid Defiance.
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Emmaline, the perfect wife, until.......
- By bebe on 07-07-20
By: Elizabeth Boyle
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Crime and Punishment
- Penguin Classics
- By: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Oliver Ready
- Narrated by: Don Warrington
- Length: 25 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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This acclaimed new translation of Dostoyevsky's 'psychological record of a crime' gives his dark masterpiece of murder and pursuit a renewed vitality, expressing its jagged, staccato urgency and fevered atmosphere as never before. Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders alone through the slums of St. Petersburg, deliriously imagining himself above society's laws. But when he commits a random murder, only suffering ensues.
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Best translation on audible – mediocre narrator
- By Fantod on 04-29-20
By: Fyodor Dostoevsky, and others
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The Devilish Duke
- Saints & Scoundrels Series, Book 1
- By: Maddison Michaels
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Devlin Markham, the notorious "Devil Duke" of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can't woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune good-bye. But he's always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm. When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure.
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refreshing combination, but..
- By Kim Johnson on 01-25-19
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Tangled Reins
- By: Stephanie Laurens
- Narrated by: Gayle Hendrix
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
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Miss Dorothea Darent has no intention of ever getting married, certainly not to a rogue such as the Marquis of Hazelmere. A disreputable scoundrel, he is captivated when they meet by chance and is determined to win her heart, even while she's busy dazzling the rest of London society. Now Dorothea has a choice to make: stick with her plan to remain a respectable spinster, or run into the arms of her dashing stranger.
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Could not listen to this narration
- By DesignerBee on 11-16-11
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Mine Till Midnight
- By: Lisa Kleypas
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Miss Amelia Hathaway, a beautiful and strong-willed spinster, has looked after her unruly younger siblings ever since the death of her parents. Romance is the last thing on her mind. But when reckless brother inherits a title, the Hathaways are flung into the unfamiliar world of the English peerage. And Amelia, who’s always refused to lean on anyone’s shoulder, finds herself turning to a sexy, dark-haired stranger for help.
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It’s a No for me.
- By Kathleen H. on 06-25-20
By: Lisa Kleypas
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A Bride for the Prizefighter
- Victorian Prizefighters Series, Book 1
- By: Alice Coldbreath
- Narrated by: Carmen Rose
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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Mina's well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her father drops a bombshell on his deathbed: She has a brother she never knew of. Not only that, he is on his way to rescue her from the collapse of their school under a mountain of debts. A wild journey across country later, Mina finds herself thrown at the feet of the brutish William Nye, prize-fighter and owner of a disreputable inn, The Merry Harlot. Respectable Mina is appalled to find herself obliged to wed this surly stranger.
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Absolutely Wonderful
- By Elly Strang on 07-15-21
By: Alice Coldbreath
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Proper English
- By: KJ Charles
- Narrated by: Bella Lowe
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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A shooting party at the Earl of Witton’s remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton - until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour. That’s not Pat’s biggest problem. She’s visiting her old friend, the Earl’s heir Jimmy Yoxall - but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat’s ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm’s length.
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Throwing Propriety out the window!
- By A.E. Bross on 11-15-19
By: KJ Charles
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Silent in the Grave
- By: Deanna Raybourn
- Narrated by: Ellen Archer
- Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.
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Happily surprised
- By 9S on 07-04-09
By: Deanna Raybourn
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One Night in London
- The Truth About the Duke, Book 1
- By: Caroline Linden
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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With One Night in London, the sensational Caroline Linden kicks off a wonderful new historical romance series about three brothers trying to protect their good names and their fortunes while finding true love. Fans of Elizabeth Boyle and Liz Carlyle will not be able to resist this tantalizing tale that has the middle son of a recently deceased English duke hoping to avoid scandal and ruin as he searches for the young wife his late father never divorced…and encounters instead a desperate beauty who needs his help to rescue an endangered child.
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Beware!!
- By ParkerCD on 02-11-24
By: Caroline Linden
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The Earl Next Door
- First Comes Love
- By: Amelia Grey
- Narrated by: Jessica Bolte
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
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When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband’s sudden death, she realizes she’s free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Finally, she can have the life she has always dreamed of. She doesn’t need, or want, to remarry. Especially not the supremely dashing future Marquis of Marksworth, who makes Adeline yearn for his desire. Lord Lyonwood, son of a philandering marquis, will not be like his father. He wants to run his estates and watch them flourish - and find a wife who brings love to his life.
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Wonderful story and great job by Jessica Bolte
- By Christine Woinich as Iron Canuck Reviews & More on 12-14-23
By: Amelia Grey
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The Ladies Most...
- The Collected Works: The Lady Most Likely/The Lady Most Willing
- By: Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor, Susan Duerden
- Length: 17 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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From Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series, now streaming on Netflix - writing along with close friends and popular authors Eloisa James and Connie Brockway - comes The Ladies Most...: a duo of cleverly crafted novels, The Lady Most Likely and The Lady Most Willing, together for the first time.
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Most disappointing!
- By Jeanne on 08-09-21
By: Julia Quinn, and others
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The Princess Plan
- By: Julia London
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Nothing gets the tongues of London’s high society wagging like a good scandal. And when the personal secretary of the visiting Prince Sebastian of Alucia is found murdered, it’s all anyone can talk about, including Eliza Tricklebank. Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip about the crime, prompting Sebastian to take an interest in playing detective - and an even greater interest in Eliza.
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Hero’s voice bleh, BUT…
- By Robyn on 05-16-23
By: Julia London
What listeners say about Garland of Straw
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Lynn
- 03-18-21
FANTASTIC - but listen to Black Madonna 1st
Stella Riley is the best spinner of historical, romantic novels around, and at least in the US relatively unknown. I highly recommend ALL her books. However, those that are parts of a series really need to be enjoyed in order. Her stories are so deeply layered and intertwined that maximum appreciation of her characters and their lives is best achieved by following them from their beginnings. Alex Wyndham's voice and performance style are Apollo's gifts to historical novels set in Britain and France.
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1 person found this helpful
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- noagnes
- 09-02-20
Turbulent love in turbulent times
This is the second book of Stella Riley’s Roundheads and Cavaliers series, featuring the turbulent period of the English Civil War era through a series of romances. This novel describes the story of Venetia Clifford, daughter of a Royalist family, forced to marry Gabriel Brandon, a colonel in Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army. To add insult to injury, Gabriel is the illegitimate half-brother of Venetia’s previous betrothed, Royalist Ellis Brandon, now a fugitive, and receives the inheritance that should have gone to the legitimate son as well as the bride. The relationship starts off badly, with mutual dislike and disdain at first sight – and only goes downward for quite a while. In spite of the conflict, the integrity of the Roundhead officer is starting to impress even rigidly prejudiced Venetia, but the machinations of Ellis and certain mistakes by the heroine result in a catastrophic conflict (I must say I had a hard time forgiving Gabriel, and some readers may find his actions disturbing) between the protagonists – and then it is time for Gabriel’s unreasonable emotions to be changed by the demonstration of Venetia’s loyalty and integrity. While they work towards resolving their personal difficulties, political conflict culminates in the trial and execution of King Charles I, and Gabriel is pursued by a mysterious enemy who tries to harm him by every possible means.
Besides the usual great points in Stella Riley’s favour (a passionate and deep romance, vivid and well researched historical background with even the complexities made understandable through the characters’ eye, believable and complex character descriptions) I especially enjoyed in this book the fact that there are decent people on both sides of the political conflict – and they are able to turn toward each other with respect and try to mitigate the cruelty and vindictiveness of the extremists on each side.
Alex Wyndham’s talented storytelling brings out the drama and the turbulent feelings in the story, displays the diverse set of characters and their feelings faithfully and gives the listener a vivid and gripping experience.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Daydream Queen
- 08-23-20
Everything you could want in HR!!
Stella Riley has fast become my favorite HR author! Her amazing storytelling coupled with Alex Wyndham's irresistible narration is everything I long for in this genre. I just wish all her books were were on Audible already!
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- Beth B
- 08-14-20
Stella Riley continue to write remarkable stories
This is a wonderful story, full of history and rich in characters. Gabriel and Venetia’s story is set in one of the most significant and politically charged periods of English history and it does not disappoint. This book delves into that history and gives personalities to the names of men who changed history. Within that background we see the struggle of a marriage arranged for two strong characters who seem as widely divided as possible. One is a Colonel in the Roundhead army, the other a passionate monarchist and spy for the King. As we meet again other characters from her other books, we see how destructive this civil war has been, pitting friends against friends and splitting families to pieces. Each person in their own right is struggling with years of conflict and then the aftermath of an uneasy peace. There is push and pull tension throughout this book, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and anger. In the end the history is gripping, but as we follow the course of Gabriel and Venitia’s marriage, we are immersed in their struggle to find the peace they are both looking for Venitia is a strong, independent woman, who naturally takes charge of situations and follows her own beliefs and decisions. Gabriel equally is a commanding presence so sparks fly, misunderstandings arise and tempers flare. A strong cast of supporting characters round out the narrative. Stella Riley’s gift for rich characters and intricate stories continues to shine. Her well written prose and meaty plots make you just want more.
As always Alex Wyndham shines in his powerful and compelling narration, giving life to both the era and the people. He is a master story teller and again leaves you wanting more. This is truly a perfect union
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6 people found this helpful
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- Laurie S
- 10-16-20
Another excellent story
Can’t go wrong with this author/narrator combination. My favorite of the series is The Marigold Chain, but this is a must read to continue the series and hear about some of the previous characters. Aside from a scant handful of anachronisms in this series, Stella is an outstanding researcher and writer—far above the crowd. Her storytelling, characters, and relationships are all well-developed and interesting. I’ve read all her works. This book is a page turner with a slight lull midway while it focuses on new main characters that were smaller players up to that point and catches us up on new political and battle updates. I started missing the H/h interactions and progress.
A minor frustration was the narration. Alex is an excellent, well-loved narrator. Especially with atmosphere, mood, setting. He reads the intent of the scenes superbly. No question there. What I notice, especially in these long books, is that character voices sometimes start sounding the same. He absolutely has a wide range but often defaults to repetition of two to three cadences and tones. Even between men and women. And characters sometimes change voices. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to have a voice for dozens of characters and keep track of them for twenty hours, but more variation between characters and consistency for each main character would be helpful. Otherwise, well done—these nuances are easy enough to overlook for the joy of listening to such a phenomenal book, rich with history and excellent writing.
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- PennyLou
- 08-14-20
Excellent historical romance
Stella Riley is one of my favorite historical authors. She writes with such detail that the listener becomes engrossed in the story. Stella is just as talented in character development.....even to the point of developing characters, so aggravating that you want to strangle them. Venetia is one ...but not the only one....of those characters. Venetia comes across as stubborn, selfish and down right mean. The other characters are so strong and likeable that Venetia's personality appears even more obnoxious.
Alex Wyndham is the absolute best narrator I've ever heard and he's perfect for Stella's books.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 05-05-22
great book
Loved the main love story as it weave through historical events. the narrator is great.
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- Sallyk575
- 01-20-22
Another excellent book in this series
This next book in the series set during the English Civil Wars is a excellent. I am amazed how the author incorporated the complexities of the historical period into the plot and made them understandable. It is hard to imagine living with the political volatility of the times. One’s beliefs can be popular at one point, but then can be the cause for imprisonment and even execution within a few weeks time. It was interesting to learn that the basic ideas about individual liberty that would become part of the US constitution were espoused by a group called the Levellers and a man called Freeborn John in the 1640s-50s.
Characters from previous books are included, and I enjoyed reading how their stories continued. Some of their storylines continue into subsequent books. Ms. Riley is a master of weaving together characters in a series, as demonstrated in the Rockliffe series.
The audio version is excellent with Alex Wyndham, as always. He is a perfect match for the author. Unfortunately, I don’t think the next two books in the series have been recorded as audiobooks. Hopefully, they will be soon.
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- LeslyeB
- 08-14-20
So enjoyed!!
Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham team up again to bring another great installment in the Black Madonna series!! I love the development of the characters in each of Riley‘s books and I especially appreciated the insight into the English Civil War. I truly look forward to hopefully hearing Alex Wyndham read the next two books in the series soon!!
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- 🌟CW_214🌟
- 10-13-20
Dynamic Duo
Stella Riley never fails to pull me into her stories and strengthen my appreciation of every work. Each time I’ve completed one of her beautifully written and poignant historical treasures, I come away thinking it’s a new favorite. Garland of Straw in audio with the talented Alex Wyndham does not disappoint meeting every expectation and more. As usual, the writing is loaded with meticulously researched historical content with zero “filler” type fluff. The characters come alive with deft & masterly descriptions and bookmark-worthy dialogue.
Though I cherish Stella Riley’s entire library, I also look forward to escaping into Alex Wyndham’s stunning performances as one of my favorite narrators - making it a dynamic duo. I will continue to enjoy her books for years to come and look forward to any new material as well.
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