Masque of Deceptions
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Masque of Deceptions
Narrated by:
Alex Wyndham
Buy Now for £18.99
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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
Had it not been for the scent bottles, it is unlikely that Daniel Shelbourne, Viscount Reculver, and Anna Hawthorne of Hawthorne’s Porcelain would ever have met.
Daniel’s late father left him an impoverished estate – which he had expected – and unexplained debts, which he hadn’t. Anna inherited a thriving business, along with the knowledge and passion required to run it.
Daniel needs money quickly if his family is to avoid ruin.
Anna wants to create a tribute to her father’s vision and skill.
He is desperate; she, astute and determined.
So when Anna hears whispers that Lord Reculver is discreetly selling some of his possessions, she remembers the large collection of scent bottles purchased from Hawthorne’s over the years … all of them designed by her father.
They are exactly what she needs.
Moreover, selling them to her will give his lordship some of what he needs.
All she has to do, therefore, is make him a reasonable offer.
Simple. Or is it?
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Couldn't put it down
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Those readers of Historical Romance, who grew up reading Georgette Heyer novels, will be drawn to this tale because it brings to mind, A Civil Contract. It’s not the same, but it’s very similar. Anna is the way that we all wish that Jenny could have been and Daniel is as responsive as we all wish that Adam could have been! Also, thankfully, there is NO JULIA! (Only Heyerites will know what I mean). 😂
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story, it’s endearing and engrossing. Following on from Christian’s story, the brothership between the friends is just as evident and Christian’s loyalty to Daniel is clearly evident. This is a great series thus far, as of course it would be. Ms Riley hasn’t put a literary finger wrong thus far. I highly recommend this title (but read book 1 first - The Shadow Earl).
It’s touted as being a trilogy, but there are 5 friends! There’s a wager on who will be next: Anthony or Benedict! I think it’ll be Benedict.
A very enjoyable journey.
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However, this did not detract from my enjoyment.
A super performance by Alex Wyndham
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In the Prologue we find Daniel Shelbourne, who was full of joie de vivre in book 1 - The Shadow Earl, brought resoundingly down to Earth when he discovers on his father’s death he not only inherits the title of Viscount Reculver but also his father’s debts and loans that he knows cannot be repaid.
From the start Alex Wyndham brings Daniel to life with emotion and shock as he questions the lawyers to understand the enormity of his financial situation.
We then move to Chapter 1 and are introduced to Anna Hawthorne. She is unmarried and on the death of her father became the sole heiress of Hawthorne’s pottery in Worcester. Consequently she is a very rich young lady whose life revolves around her porcelain business.
Mr. Wyndham performs Anna perfectly by his timing and delivery and one immediately feels she is very much in control of her comfortable surroundings.
Thereafter the story brings Daniel and Anna together and from a position of mutual mistrust because of their differing situations – one facing financial ruin while the other secure and extremely wealthy – an unlikely bond develops slowly, beautifully and emotionally, which is captured by Stella Riley’s writing and Alex Wyndham’s performance.
The story has many twists and turns resulting in a bringing together of Daniel and Anna in a most satisfactory way.
Stella Riley never fails to set her books against different backgrounds and locations. The Shadow Earl was against a background of kidnapping in the Levant. Here it is the porcelain industry in 1780’s Worcester.
What a refreshing change from the balls and endless soirees of Georgian London by other writers!
Ms. Riley’s excellent at writing dialogue and plausible characters. In this case Anna who has her own voice and opinions plus a thorough knowledge of how a business should be run because of her father’s upbringing.
I thought this audio book was outstanding. The pairing of Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham is just perfect as can be witnessed by the many Audios and 5-Star reviews they have achieved together.
Stella Riley’s characterisations are wonderful and Alex Wyndham’s performance is always outstanding.
A huge well done and thank you because it's richly deserved.
I look forward to hopefully a third book in the 'Shadow' series and cannot wait.
Another triumph by Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham!
Another triumph by Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham!
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A sweet and slow-burning romance
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