The Portrait

By: Cassandra Austen

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Lady Catherine Claverton lives alone and angry on the outskirts of Bath, banished by her father because she was born lame and a girl. When the old earl dies, leaving the ancient title to revert to the Crown, Catherine learns the secret that her late mother kept from her - that she is the heir to a title in her own right. If she marries and bears a son, she will have what her father could never have: a legacy through the female line.

But if she takes on that challenge, she needs to marry, something she never dreamed possible. And the two candidates are men with secrets. The kind but secretive sea captain. The handsome but dangerous smuggler. And Catherine has a potentially explosive secret of her own.

"A thrilling hybrid of mystery, romance, and 19th century scene-setting - sure to enthrall fans of historical fiction." (Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize)

©2018 Cassandra Austen (P)2019 Cassandra Austen

Great & entertaining story...stupid, stupid heroin

Cassandra Austen is a new author for me and I found her story intriguing. Alex Wyndham is so so talented and my favorite narrator. Together they made the story and the characters a competing listen. As in any book, the characters make the difference and this book is certainly no different. HOWEVER, I almost stopped listening because of Catherine, the heroine. She was stupid, selfish, thoughtless and extremely aggravating. Alex Wyndham save this book....seriously.

Intrigue and Romance

I love that this book respects the listener's intelligence with enough history and authenticity, while still being mysterious and dramatic enough to be the audio version of a page-turner. The conflict felt real and I was deeply invested in the characters. Just the right balance between romance and intrigue. I loved the cliff hanger and can't wait until the next book!

Held my attention

I enjoyed this book. I'm anxious to read the next book in the series. Not your typical story. Narration was very good.

A Pleasant Surprise!

I wasn’t sure about getting this book, but Alex Wyndham is my all time favorite narrator so I took the risk and I’m very glad I did! This was a unique story that kept you guessing… I just wish there was a sequel!!!!

Great story but needed a female narrator

While this story is an intriguing one, it is a mistake to have a male narrating the part of a delicate, shy female. The narration is very good overall, but the author should have chosen a female for the part of Catherine. Her “voice” as well as the other female voices are much too harsh and gravelly to be believable.