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The Marigold Chain

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The Marigold Chain

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

England, 1666; the year all the prophecies said the world would end. For Chloe Hervaux, marriage to wild, unpredictable Alex Deveril offers escape from a home she hates. For Alex, waking up with an epic hangover, the discovery that he has acquired a bride is an unwelcome shock. But while the marriage remains in name only, other forces are gathering.

England is at war with the Dutch, and Prince Rupert suspects that sabotage is at work in the fleet. Instructed to find and stop the traitor, Alex enters a dark, secret labyrinth of intrigue - where no life is safe and nothing is what it seems.

Chloe, meanwhile, navigates the shark-infested waters of Charles 11's licentious Court and plots a course of her own aimed at financial independence. But as the diverse facets of Mr. Deveril's personality are gradually revealed, her mock-marriage becomes fraught with difficulties - the greatest of which is Mr. Deveril himself.

Absorbed in his search for a traitor, Alex spares little thought for personal matters and less for his bride. But as the flames of the Great Fire sweep over London, he and Chloe face their ultimate test. Their world is at risk...their choices may save it.

The Marigold Chain is a richly-woven tale of intrigue, danger, and love set against a backdrop of Restoration England during the year expected to be Doomsday.

©1983, 2012, 2015 Stella Riley (P)2018 Stella Riley
Historical Historical Fiction Romance England Marriage

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Five star does not seem high enough for this combination of a historically accurate account of life at Court, at the time of the French/Dutch British war, the fire of London, with likeable characters, a spy mystery intertwined with a heartwarming love story. Alex Wyndham’s performance as always brings the characters alive so that one forgets that it is just one person impersonating all the actors in the story. And he even sings in one scene. As my title says: if you live historical romance, this is perfection. I wanted it to go on forever but couldn’t wait for its conclusion.

Perfection

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This audiobook is an utter delight: expert characterization, riveting plot, witty dialogue, loving descriptions of the setting and locations, and masterfully read. I'd like to commend Mr Wyndham for his ability to do lifelike, credible women's voices, a somewhat rare feat among male narrators.

A historical romance at its best

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I don’t think there’s an author whose books I enjoy more than those written by Stella Riley. I last read The Marigold Chain five years ago but was recently given a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

It was a joy to revisit Alex and Chloe’s story set during the time of the Great Fire of London and at a time when England was at war with the Dutch. This is an exciting and action packed narrative. The author’s words were brought to vivid life by the excellent Alex Wyndham. I particularly enjoyed the sea battle scenes, Alex and Chloe’s race across London and Alex’s sword fight with the traitor who was selling state secrets to the enemy.

As always, Ms Riley‘a characterisation is pitch perfect. Charles II is portrayed and conveyed just as I have always imagined him. Giles Beckwith is another beautifully drawn character, who perhaps deserves his own story. It goes without saying that Alex and Chloe are utterly gorgeous. I love Chloe’s practicality, her bravery and her selfless love for Alex. I love how Alex redeems himself through love for his monarch, his country and for Chloe.

I think the author has some interesting things to say about all forms of love and their counterfeit. I particularly liked the depth of fraternal bonds shown between various friends and the lack of those depths between family members. I also like the juxtaposition of a selfish love such as Sarah’s and the truly selfless love that is Chloe’s.

Alex and Chloe’s romance is a real joy as they work through so many obstacles to their “ happy ever after”. As always, the reading/listening pleasure is in how they get there. This story is thoroughly satisfying in this respect.

I love listening to Audiobooks as I always hear different emphases and nuances that make me think differently about a story. Alex Wyndham has a lovely voice and is excellent at conveying depth of emotion and these such nuances. They really enhance my enjoyment .

In conclusion, I think it is the unique and perfect combination of impeccably drawn historical backdrops, believable characters and an utterly compelling love story that raise Ms Riley’s novels so high. The Marigold Chain is one of her best. I just loved it.

A wonderful performance of a very lovely story

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Why has it has taken me this long time to start listening to audio books? I have discovered I can multitask cook or weed the garden and listen to the dulcet tones of Alex Wyndham at the same time. This was a real surprise - I have loved and savoured every moment, I am truly amazed at how Alex manages to create the voices. I have loved this book from when I first read it in the 1980s and the audio version has lived up to my expectations. Other people have talked about the plot and the characters all I can say is that I have thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this period in history.

Sublime!

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Really enjoyed the story, you could imagine the story, being there as it happened. A good description and well written and well read too.

How real it sounded

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