Another winner from the Riley/Wyndham team!

Set in Restoration London, The Marigold Chain is a book I loved the first time I read it almost thirty years ago, and I've been eagerly awaiting its release in audio.

While quite spectacularly drunk, Alex Deveril wins the hand and dowry of Chloe Herveaux in a card game. Not prepared to stay under her wastrel half-brother’s roof any longer, Chloe is only too ready to depart with Alex, intending to go to stay with friends for the night, but she has reckoned without Alex’s stubbornness. He won a bride and a bride he will have – and he won’t take no for an answer. He and Chloe are married that night.

The next morning, amid a hangover of Biblical proportions, Alex comes to the realisation of what he’s done, apologises and suggests to Chloe that they seek an annulment. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick, but he thinks it may be possible, especially if the final decision ends up resting with the king.

What follows is a thoroughly enjoyable romance, set amid the intrigue of the court and against the backdrop of the war between the English and the Dutch, and later, the horror of the Great Fire of London. Alex is a delicious hero, gorgeous, charming, and highly intelligent, with a quick wit and sharp tongue that can wound at twenty paces, but who, beneath it all is a man of courage, honour and deep loyalty. Chloe is no simpering miss, but a strong young woman who metaphorically rolls up her sleeves and gets on with it, quickly adjusting to her changed circumstances and the mercurial husband who keeps her constantly on her toes. The historical background is comprehensively researched and in the scenes which take place amid the streets of London, the reader is completely immersed in the sights and the sounds of the city. The cast of supporting characters – including His Glorious Majesty, King Charles II – is very well fleshed out, and another of the things I enjoy very much about Ms Riley’s work, her skill in writing strong male friendships is very much in evidence.

Ms Riley has the knack of writing the most delicious romantic and sexual tension between her principals, and the gradual progression of the romance between Alex and Chloe is masterful, and something to be thoroughly savoured.

What to say about the incredibly talented Alex Wyndham that hasn't already been said? Not much, really - he's easily one of the best narrators in the business. He gives every single character - even if they only have a line or two - a distinct voice, and differentiates extremely well between all the different male characters in the story. Listeners of A Splendid Defiance will recognise Prince Rupert, and his portrayal of King Charles has just the right levels of humour and gravitas. Alex and Chloe are superbly realised; and his ability to pick up on and deliver every emotional cue is simply wonderful.

Some fondly-remembered books turn out to be disappointing upon a re-read years later, but fortunately, The Marigold Chain is not one of those - and in audio it's an extremely satisfying and enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.

6 people found this helpful

Atmospheric

At first, hard to get into, then,due to the narrator I got transported back in time. Brilliant story and beautifully told .

3 people found this helpful

Love lies and battle

I was held captive throughout this romantic novel, the twists and turns with the awkwardness of love between two people. As an ex sailor and having sailed a square rigger I was transported straight back to the sounds and smells of a Royal dockyard. How can one man (Alex) produce so many convincing characters from one voice box. I would recommend Stella's books to anyone, male, female, young or old. I hope Hazard is not far away.

3 people found this helpful

Historical Fiction and Historical Romance combined - a rich feast of a book

THE MARIGOLD CHAIN was my first ever book by Stella Riley and I loved everything about it from the beginning to the end. Maybe that's why it has a rather special place in my heart. At any rate, I couldn't have been happier when I learned that the supremely talented Alex Wyndham was to record it and waited with much anticipation for its release. And oh my.... it was worth my wait!

Set in Restoration England THE MARIGOLD CHAIN maps eight months in the lives of Alex and Chloe - a couple thrown together by unusual and unorthodox circumstances.

We get so much for our money in this wonderful feast of a book. England is struggling and in debt. We have suffered terrible life losses during the plague and are at war with the Dutch and then the French join in too to add to our problems. The court of Charles II is central to the story, not only with its carefree opulence and licentious behaviour, but also for a reason I won't reveal but which reason is important to Chloe and Alex. Added to all of this there is the possibility of a traitor in our midst. Alex, along with a couple of friends, set out at the behest of Prince Rupert to unmask the person who, in all likelihood, is responsible for many unexplained, and possibly traitorous so called 'accidents'. The ensuing story is fast moving and exciting during which our young couple pass through various stages in their relationship.

The author does a wonderful job in developing her characters, not only Chloe and Alex but their mutual friends too, all of whom we come to love and care about as the story progresses.

Alex Wyndham has quite a job on his hands as he handles, with great aplomb, the sarcastic, cynical young man that is Alex Deveril. It would be easy to dislike Alex Deveril but I LOVED his complex and even loveable character, and Alex Wyndham captures him to perfection. It becomes obvious that he is reckless with his own safety for reasons he can't help. His friends understand him and the reasons for his behaviour, and for the most part, ignore his biting tongue, remembering instead the daringly brave soldier and loyal friend he had been to them for the past fifteen years. Alex Wyndham, consummate actor that he is has to deal with all of this - an Alex Deveril who does not suffer fools gladly and thinks he wants or needs no one but who then undergoes a lightbulb moment of epic proportions. A lesser actor could not have pulled off this subtle change so effectively and believably. Mr. Wyndham's tone of voice alters - it's subtle, and yet obviously still the angry young man that was - but is no longer - and one knows immediately that Alex Deveril's feelings have undergone a huge change. I was so taken by Mr. Wyndham's performance at this point that I listened to the same part a few times just to enjoy more than once and to marvel at his expertise. There are a couple of places where Alex Wyndham has to deal with Stella Riley at her wonderfully emotional best - real tear jerkers I promise, but no spoilers! All I'll say is that listeners will not be disappointed by either Stella Riley's words or Alex Wyndham's portrayal of them. Oh and he sings in a couple of places AND quotes poetry - I could go on and on...just sit back and enjoy.

I can't imagine anyone who enjoys superbly researched history, fantastic characters...fictitious and historic...a fast paced, exciting story, intertwined with a bone melting romance, not loving THE MARIGOLD CHAIN. And let's not forget the supremely talented Alex Wyndham who gives this wonderful story an extra shot of brilliance.

3 people found this helpful

Sublime!

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.

1 person found this helpful

I listen to this story often.

Being of the generation that English history was drilled into one.
I was pleased that this story remained true to the basic facts.
Women were definitely sidelined, while men went around proving their swashbuckling machismo, gallantry, valour, fearlessness and bravery.
This story has it all and the spite, viciousness and gossip that occurred in the Royal court.
The heroine, manages to hold her own in all this excess of gossip and testosterone.

1 person found this helpful

Perfection

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.

1 person found this helpful

Dramatic events in the reign of Charles II

I've loved this book for a long time, and have a very tattered secondhand hardback copy. Alex Wyndham casts his particular magic over the story, bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
A wonderful addition to my library, which I'll listen to many times, I'm sure.
Now looking forward to Hazard, which is coming soon.
How about Lucifer's Champion in Kindle and Audible?

1 person found this helpful

Loved this audio book

What made the experience of listening to The Marigold Chain the most enjoyable?

Great characters in this book and a wonderful story did not want it to end. The narrator brought it all to life.

3 people found this helpful

Fantastic, what a discovery.

Discovering Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham was a huge delight. Comprehensively researched, brilliantly written & a perfect narration. Thank you both.