Sorry when it ended

Stella Riley kept me tethered to my phone and gripped by this story. I’ve read all her books more than once but Alex Wyndham’s interpretation makes each one new again. It deserves every minute of its length for the many layers of lives and love story.
I confess that the politics and actions of the time only interested me as ways of moving the tale forward. During those passages I let myself drift along with Wyndham’s luscious voice, paying just enough attention to keep the thread of the story going. The quality of Riley’s writing eliminated any jarring anachronisms and meant the creation of multiple characters with depth and vivid personalities.
Disclosure: I received an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for my promise to write a review. This in no way affected my reading pleasure and honest reaction.

6 people found this helpful

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

5 people found this helpful

You cannot go wrong with this book.

There are two authors that I must say are the absolute best writers of historical fiction, Stella Riley is one of them. There has not been a tale by her I have not throughly enjoyed and with Alex Wyndham as the narrator of her rich writing, I never think twice about buying the audio.

Now to the review: Garland of Straw is another tale set during the English Civil War. Charles I looses his head in this book and Ms. Riley places the characters amidst the doings in this very real and bleak time in English history. The rich history told in this book is compelling and is a very nice backdrop to the unlikely romance of the H/h.
Ms. Riley describes how love develops between two unlikely characters ( a staunch supporter of Charles I and a Roundhead). Get prepared for biting commentary, witty repartee, and the voice of Alex Wyndham.
Venetia, a royalist snob and Gabriel, a roundhead colonel are forced into marriage by circumstance. I think Ms. Riley hit just the right note with both characters. Each were stubborn, fully committed to their beliefs and fiercely intelligent. While I enjoyed the undercurrents between these two, I would have liked more open communication between them once they both realized that they loved one another. However on the other hand some of rich historical notes would have been lost.

This book is lengthy but not boring or drawn out to no purpose. In fact, I was sad to hear the end and am anticipating the next story.

I used a credit to purchase this book and to be honest I would have paid member's price for it.

3 people found this helpful

Excellent, Yet Not my Favorite

All of Stella Riley's books are extremely good. And Alex Wyndham's narration hovers around perfection. Despite that, "Garland of Straw" is not my favorite from this normally unbeatable duo. The problem for me lies in the enemies to lovers plot, which with the exception of "Pride and Prejudice", I find tedious. I don't want to hear arguments and insults. Furthermore, the near rape scene really was disturbing.

I also felt disappointed because the previous book in the series, "The Black Madonna", is exceptional in every way. This one left me uninspired. Also, to the previous reviewer who claims that Gabriel is Ms. Riley's most beloved character, I disagree...I do believe that honor belongs to the Duke of Rockcliffe.

2 people found this helpful

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.

2 people found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

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!!

1 person found this helpful

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 of....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.

1 person found this helpful

great book

Loved the main love story as it weave through historical events. the narrator is great.

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.