The Black Madonna cover art

The Black Madonna

Roundheads & Cavaliers, Book 1

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The Black Madonna

By: Stella Riley
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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About this listen

As England slides into Civil War, master-goldsmith and money-lender, Luciano Falcieri del Santi embarks on his own hidden agenda.

A chance meeting one dark night results in an unlikely friendship with Member of Parliament, Richard Maxwell.

Richard’s daughter, Kate - a spirited girl who vows to hold their home against both Cavalier and Roundhead - soon finds herself fighting an involuntary attraction to the clever, magnetic, and diabolically beautiful Italian. Hampered by the warring English and the quest itself growing daily more dangerous, Luciano begins to realize that his own life and that of everyone close to him rests on the knife-edge of success...for only success will permit him to reclaim the Black Madonna and offer his heart to the girl he loves. From the machinations within Parliament to the last days of the King’s cause, The Black Madonna is an epic saga of passion and intrigue at a time when England was lost in a dark and bloody conflict.

©2013 Stella Riley (P)2019 Stella Riley Historical Mystery Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt Success England Civil War War

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All stars
Most relevant
This is the first Stella Riley I've listened to. I'm hooked, please can we have the rest of the roundheads and Cavelier series. Alex Wyndham at his best

Wonderful

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Loved every second of it. I just couldn't stop listening.
What a brilliant story I loved Kate and Luciano. Luciano's story was so riveting i wanted to keep listening till the end, but of course it wasn't possible. So everytime I had to stop I couldn't wait to get back to listening again.
Stella Riley's writing is superb and Alex Wyndham's narrating is absolutely brilliant so I felt all the emotions as though I was part of the family.
A Splendid Defiance is the first one of this series, which is also a must read/ listen.
Now on to the next one A Garland of Straw.

absolutely brilliant

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It’s hard to believe one person has narrated this story and brought so many characters to life.Alex Wyndham is top of his game.Let’s hear some more please.
Well researched story

One of my favourites

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Great intricate plot with loads of historical context, it has given me an interest in the period that I would like to pursue.
as always this narrator always delivers as far as pace and gravitas to the scenes.
Great book!

Outstanding

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(I used my hubby's credit for this book. Loved it so much I am leaving a review! - Heidi)

If you are a fan of well researched, detailed and complex historical fiction and you have never read or listened to a Stella Riley book, please stop what you are doing and run to get your hands on this one. It is a glorious piece of work which completely captivated me. Her writing ability is so unique and in this book she has crafted a vast array of the most multidimensional characters. The book spans several years and is beautifully paced. You are given the time to watch plots unfold, relationships evolve and feel a connection to their stories and the political chaos of the time. Riley brings to life the intrigues and turmoil of the English Civil War in a way I have never experienced with any other author.

I waited to read this series in hope that there would be an audio version and I am so pleased I did. The Audible version was a commitment at 22 hrs and 10 mins listening time; however, Alex Wyndham's narration is so masterful I wish it could have kept going. It is like falling in love all over again, so I am off to have another listen to A Splendid Defiance just to revisit Justin Ambrose and Abby Radford's story. Oh and of course more of Alex Wyndham's voice is a bonus! (less)

This Author/Narrator duo is inimitable!

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