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The Marigold Chain
- Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
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Summary
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.
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- Wendy
- 21-02-18
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.
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9 people found this helpful
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- David Green
- 16-03-18
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.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Pamela Savill
- 26-04-18
Atmospheric
At first, hard to get into, then,due to the narrator I got transported back in time. Brilliant story and beautifully told .
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4 people found this helpful
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- Deborah C
- 15-02-18
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.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Jill
- 30-12-21
A wonderful performance of a very lovely story
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.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Thor
- 30-03-18
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.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Angela Whitear
- 14-05-23
Always great to read Stella Riley
This author is very articulate and keeps the dialogue In sympathy with the period so that you really get a good feel for the period.
Anyone who likes a good romantic tale with some history thrown in for good measure will enjoy Alex Wyndhams narration.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Kamas
- 27-12-21
Adventure and Romance
Another beautifully crafted story from Stella Riley. Her novels are well researched and gripping.
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1 person found this helpful
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- avidreader
- 19-11-21
A perfect pairing
I love this book, which I read again and again, but I have only just listened to the audio book. Alex Wyndham’s narration is superb, with his range of voices for the large cast of characters and all the emotions that he delivers so well. I was never in doubt about who was speaking, and his switches from male to female voices and accents is remarkable. Stella Riley’s words and Alex Wyndham’s narration work perfectly together, and I thoroughly recommend it.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Carôle
- 12-08-21
Maybe I DO like history!
Ordinarily, I don’t really read (and like) historical fiction based around actual historical events. I start them, but I never finish them. Until now. Facebook is really different, it’s not a straightforward anything! Not a straightforward romance, not a straightforward mystery, not a straightforward war narrative, There is nothing straightforward about it.
And that is why it is such a fascinating, intriguing, interesting, fulfilling book. I am no longer new to Stella Riley or Alex Wyndham, I have journeyed through many historical romance novels with them, but this was the first and I’m tempted to try some more. This particular tale starts slowly and seemingly has no direction. Don’t be misled. This is a tale worth persevering with.
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