
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.
©2013 Stella Riley (P)2020 Stella RileyListeners also enjoyed...
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Background sonds RUINED this
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FANTASTIC - but listen to Black Madonna 1st
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Listener received this title free
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.
Turbulent love in turbulent times
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Everything you could want in HR!!
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Listener received this title free
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
Stella Riley continue to write remarkable stories
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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.
Another excellent story
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Alex Wyndham is the absolute best narrator I've ever heard and he's perfect for Stella's books.
Excellent historical romance
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great book
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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.
Another excellent book in this series
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So enjoyed!!
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Excellent Story!!
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