The duke and the Quaker nurse - without cliches.

Would you listen to Flowers from the Storm again? Why?

Fully-realised characters who engage your interest and sympathy whilst still being true to their own time.

What other book might you compare Flowers from the Storm to, and why?

Although the events and setting of the story are very different, this book reminded me in some ways of "Jane Eyre" - a charismatic and powerful man, used to arranging the world as he wants, meets an unsophisticated woman who seems timid and easily-influenced but is more than his equal in strength of character. The fluctuations of the balance of power between the two protagonists are sometimes at the forefront and sometimes overtaken by the flow of events as the rakish Duke of Jervaulx suffers a stroke and loses control over his life and property.The writing is polished and unrushed, allowing the listener full insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings.
Although this is a "historical romance", I think the only cliché of the genre you will find in this book is the opening scene, which contains an explicit description of the duke and his mistress in bed. Although the level of explicit description is repeated later, the sensuality of the later romantic scenes reflects the slow development of love and trust between Christian and Maddy despite their profound differences.

What does Nicholas Boulton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

If I'd read this book I'd have skimmed it to get to the key events, since I find it hard to stick with a lot of narrative and internal dialogue, but Nicholas Boulton's performance kept me interested. His consistent and skilful delivery is never boring and in the emotional scenes reaches a riveting intensity which is exactly right for this dramatic story.

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5 people found this helpful

10* OMG brilliant

So moving and thorough, a lesser author would have made this 4 books in the current trend of writing a 'series'.
Great narration portrayed the post stroke state fantastically.
this is a contender for one of my best books.

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enjoyable

loved the story and really well read. great value for money as is such a long book!

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Possibly my no. 1 audiobook!!!!

From beginning to end, it's such a good story. I have all of Laura Kinsale's audiobook. She is my favourite author and as for Nicholas Bolton... Well a truly talented narrator! He makes the book come to life in a way no other narrator can!

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Loved this book

Love the narrator and the story. One of my favourites.

One of her best books. Loved Maddy and the Duke.

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Brilliant

This book was absolutely brilliant. The best of Laura Kinsale so far and I've listened to a few. I found a few of them quite boring that could have been 5 hours shorter. But this was fantastic from beginning to end I couldn't stop listening. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to stop.
I also liked Prince Of Midnight very much but this was even better. Although I must say that LK's heroines are not very likeable till the very end. But Maddie was OK, but about an hour before the end she was as annoying as all the other heroines in LK's books.
Nicholas Boulton was absolutely brilliant as always, especially in this book. He was fantastic.

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A wonderful book made as Theatre!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would indeed recommend this book to a friend, or anyone else who loves a great book; I love Laura Kinsale's writing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Flowers from the Storm?

There are too many memorable moments to mention.

Have you listened to any of Nicholas Boulton’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have heard Nicholas Boulton and I think he must be the best Narrator ever!! He is able to slip into the character of each person seamlessly so you are able to picture the scenario before you as if you are watching a play.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

In listening to this book, I experienced every emotion under the sun; from the first sentence to the last I ran the whole gamut and I felt more alive than before. this book pulled me apart, made me cry and laugh, too. Then, put me back together again at the end. Thank goodness I can listen again and again.

Any additional comments?

Thank you Laura Kinsale for choosing the best voice ever for your wonderful books; I will buy all of them as and when they are available.

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1 person found this helpful

So much more than just period romance

I always loved this book. Such interesting characters and believable story. Also I loved that I learned new historical details of Georgian times.
This first time I listened to this book and must say it's my favourite performance to day.

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Engrossing

An unusual love story beautifully narrated. I was frustrated by the Quaker heroine but the author brought me to empathise with her too. I adored the damaged hero who was so badly abused by his family and keepers. An emotional roller coaster ride but enthralling just the same. Definitely a keeper.

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Stunning narration of a great story

This is a steamy historical romance that is beautifully written and narrated by Nicholas Bolton who has a voice like warm honey

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