The Marigold Chain

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

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

Loved

Richly written and exceptionally plotted, this was a page turner. I loved the mix of emotions, humor, sadness, history, etc. Alex Wyndham, as usual, does an excellent job emoting the story and bringing to life the hero's very complex personality. My only wish is that he had more variation in cadence for his females (and some of the men who sound similar). He often gives females an odd rushed sentence ending the includes an uptick. It’s often staccato as well, and somewhat petulant sounding. A strange, repetitive voice pattern I tire of, but its a minor thing compared to Alex’s ability to portray scene, intensity, subtle humor, emotion, and nuance. He carried Alex Deveril's character changes with a stellar performance.

You don't have to be English to love this book.

What is there not to love about this great author and great narrator. Alex Wyndham would sound sexy reading the phone book! I have listened to this book twice and still love it. I wish Audible will put all her books on audio.

Superb

Stella Riley is one of the best writers I’ve had the privilege of reading. Not only is the book masterfully written and brilliantly narrated, but she literally brings 17th Century England “Alive”. I recommend doing a basic search of that era and the “Great fire” to fully appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. Not only a fantastic romantic read but educational as well. So many writers concentrate on the”Regency” period and miss the fascinating era of British “Reformation”.

Alex Wyndham!!!

Good story, although so far, I like the Rockliffe series better. Excellent narration. Alex Wyndham is the best!

Marigold chain

Absolutely loved it. Great story and narration. Stella writes excitingly and adventurous stories. I have read several and enjoyed all.