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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Superb

Well written and superbly narrated. Impeccably researched, I can visualize 17th century London and the dreadful fire.

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Adventure and Romance

Another beautifully crafted story from Stella Riley. Her novels are well researched and gripping.

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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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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.

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Superb !!

Yet another fabulous novel by Stella Riley, I love all her work but personal favourites are the Rockcliffe series, but this stand alone novel did not did
The narration is always perfect by Alex Wyndham and once again he brings all the characters to life. I really didn’t want this story to end ! Congratulations Stella and Alex - perfect combination of writing and narration

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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

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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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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Good story, well performed

I shall be looking for more in this series new to me but so enjoyable, makes me look forward to driving to work. Good vocabulary, believable characters and for me superbly brought to life.

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