Silver Storm

The Raveneau Novels, Book 1

By: Cynthia Wright

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Dashing and dangerous Andre Raveneau is the Revolutionary War's most reckless privateer captain when Devon Lindsay stows away aboard his ship after her Connecticut town has been burned by the British. Raveneau sardonically agrees to deliver her to her childhood sweetheart in Virginia but doesn't count on his own potent attraction to the enchanting, courageous Devon.

Through high adventure, swashbuckling sea battles, and the colorful history of America's revolution, the couple battles the fiery passion that binds them together.

Silver Storm is on keeper shelves worldwide. The story of Andre and Devon and their twisting path to true love is one you will want to revisit over and over!

©1979, 2011 Cynthia Challed (P)2014 Cynthia Challed

A beauitful Historical Romance!

If you could sum up Silver Storm in three words, what would they be?

beautiful historical romance

What was one of the most memorable moments of Silver Storm?

When Devon found out who the Blue Jay was and her wedding night.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book it kept me laughing and at times broke my heart. I could really relate to Devon through all that she had gone through she was a wonderful outstanding loveable character. The dashing Andre with his wonderful alpha self is just thrilling. It takes place in the 18th century during the Revolutionary War off the coast in the USA. One of those places being Virginia since I live here I am well aware of the places they visited or lived why in this state. This made it very easy for me to relate to where and when things happen.

Devon growing up in New London, Connecticut all she wanted was adventure on the high seas. Her plans when she got older was to marry her first love and sail the seas. At 12 she first saw the French privateer, Captain Andre Raveneau. At 17 he was her first kiss, a year later the British attack New London burning the town and killing everyone they could. She is lost and left alone only one man helped her bring her aboard Raveneau's ship, the Black Eagle. This is where things take a turn Devon has many issues and feelings to deal with as Raveneau takes more than a kiss.

Raveneau is a wild privateer he takes what he wants when he wants. Women fall at his feet and beg to be taken. When a young boy is brought on his ship things get really interesting, when the boy is found out not to be a boy that is when all hell breaks loose. Raveneau tries his best to be a gentleman why he teaches some sense into Devon. I loved Andre character he has dealt with a lot in his lifetime. Trusting any women is hard for him giving his love is impossible. He is strong but gentle there is no doubt he is a man’s man. He is fair but has no trouble dishing out punishments.

The author gives a wonderful compelling complex tale of young love, finding ones way, hurt, losing love with some shocking turns. Devon seek for adventure does seem to keep her in trouble as she helps win the war why falling for famous French privateer as they are on the hunt for her fiancé who she is unsure of. Should she marry him even though she doesn’t have the type of feelings she should for the man she loves. Why does Raveneau make her feel the way he does?
Emily Beresford does a wonderful job of narration as she brings life to each character. Some of her voices were close to others but you could still tell who was talking. Her voice is smooth, her tones were lovely. She made this a pleasure to listen to. I very much look forward to listening to more books from her.

The author and narrator give you a wonderful story that you will lose yourself in. It was a book that was hard to put down. The author knows how to give a wonderful humorous read that keeps your attention why you laugh out loud and the trouble Devon gets into. It was a well told story with wonderful narration that kept me coming back for more. I am really looking forward to reading or listening to the rest of this series.

I've Been Spoiled...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. The narrator is terrible. The truth is, with Audible, we are spoiled by a plethora of excellent narrators, in all genres. Most of these narrators are "voice actors" and bring an entirely new dimension to the book. Unfortunately this narrator sounds as if Great Aunt Matilda were reading the book out loud.

What other book might you compare Silver Storm to and why?

This is unimportant....the narrator ruins the book.

What didn’t you like about Emily Beresford’s performance?

No inflection, no differentiation between characters, very flat, and heroine's voice is annoying.

Did Silver Storm inspire you to do anything?

Yes. Find a better book.

Any additional comments?

Save this one for the print edition only. I was VERY disappointed.

An Exquisite Romance Novel

Where does Silver Storm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Silver Storm is one of my top favorites. This was such a delightful audiobook that I will consider more like this. Impressive! And I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

What other book might you compare Silver Storm to and why?

I don't know as I've never really listened to historical romance books before and now look what I've been missing. This book was so endearing and well written.

What does Emily Beresford bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Oh Emily was fantastic! Her voice was perfect as Devon. Soft and sweet. And she was fantastic with Raveneau's voice as well. I was really swept off my feet and back in time with this book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I like 'Silver Storm' but I guess 'A Pirate's Romance' or 'Devon Raveneau'. A combination of both names because there was perfect balance in this story with the characters.

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I listened to this. Emily Beresford was outstanding and Cynthia Wright is a wonderful author. I'm excited to begin Surrender the Stars.

Strong Beginning To A Wonderful Historical Series

⌂
Andre is a rogue pirate-er during the Revolutionary War going between England and the Americas & all points between. Devon is devastated where the war has taken her mother and all family, leaving her devastated and alone. To find a way to her fiancé, who is fighting in Virginia, she makes a clever stowaway on Andre's boat.

When she is found out there is nothing that can be done other than protect her from the reprobate hired on men, as they attempt to rape her. Andre's solution is that she sleep in his cabin, the only place guaranteed trust and safety.

What follows is rather slow and predictable for a little bit more than an hour. However, things do pick up and in a grand fashion that kept me awake until 2 AM because I had to finish it!

This is a great historical romance that one can lose herself in.

The narrator, Emily Beresford does a smashing job. From telling the story and giving unique voice to each character. This is the second book that I have listened to from her and she remains one of the most professional narrators I have listen to.

*I was given this book in exchange for my review (thoughts, opinions, etc.)* I go back and forth between contemporary romance and historical. This gift gave me a window into the new series and I will be reading the next three books. I recommend them highly to any historical buff, especially if your interest is in this time period.

There are a few illusions to sex but other than that it is a fine historical romance that could be read in any company.

If you found my review helpful, please select yes below this text. (If you didn't think it was helpful select no.) I appreciate that you took time to read it and hope that it will help you in determining whether or not to purchase. Thank you. If you feel the urge, feel free to 'follow' me on Audible.

this one surprised me!

I loved it more than anticipated! The story line was engaging and its a great love story.

A favorite book comes to life....

I fell in love with Silver Storm shortly after the book was published in 1979, and Cynthia Wright became one of my favorite authors. This is a classic historical romance, featuring well-developed characters who come alive in this audiobook read aloud by Emily Beresford.

It has been awhile since I last listened to a book, as opposed to reading it myself...but this has reminded me how much I enjoy it!!!! Emily has a WONDERFUL way with voices, accents, even male voices so that the listener is able to know who is speaking without having to be told ...just be aware that you shouldn't listen to this out loud if you have children around :-) Can't wait to listen to more of the series...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

As an aside, I should mention that I live near New London, CT where much of the action takes place; it is obvious that Cynthia Wright really put in a lot of research because she has included a lot of the history of this area in Silver Storm.

Captivating Heart Warming Historical Romance!

Where does Silver Storm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As it is my first fictional audiobook, I find it much more enjoyable than the business or political books I have listened to. I like the change in voices for the characters by the narrator.

What other book might you compare Silver Storm to and why?

As a book it is probably the best fictional historical romance I have ever read.

Have you listened to any of Emily Beresford’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first audiobook that Ms. Beresford has narrated that I have listened to but I intend to listen to more. She is easy to understand, and gives more character to the story through the variation in her voice, making it quite an enjoyable experience!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book always makes me laugh, cry and a whole lot more!

Any additional comments?

Cynthia Wright is a great writer, and my first audiobook was a delight!

Engaging and Enjoyable!

I found Silver Storm to be a fun, engaging read. I really had a hard time turning it off to do essential things, like sleep. I'm not giving it 5 stars across the board because I did have just a couple of complaints.

It is a beautiful love story that spans the American Revolution, however the very beginning of the story was a little two slowly paced and some of the "notable figure" sightings felt a bit stilted and forced. As did some of the dialogue of the secondary characters. I also wasn't a fan of the hopping character points of view.

The narration was very good, and I did enjoy it, but I felt there was something just a little "off" in the pacing. She read quite quickly and spiritedly and I felt like, while that was good in some areas, the tone of the book was a bit more sedate. I really feel like she overplayed Devon's character a bit, making her a little too "high strung" sounding.

But all in all, I DEFINITELY recommend Silver Storm, and I WILL be reading more in the series!

Pretty decent listen

There were several interesting twists and turns, and at times I just wanted Devon to pack up and leave. I felt the reading was occasionally overly enunciated and over exuberant. The term "less is more" comes to mind. The point of view of various peripheral characters was unnecessary and only caused a long story to become longer. But an overall interesting storyline.

Vintage bodice ripper spoilt by poor narration

Sadly the narration of this classic is...not great. She sounds like a bored student haltingly reading out loud in school, which makes the characters sound flat and mechanical, at best. She does attempt a few regional accents here and there, but generally makes little effort to distinguish among the characters’ voices.

Now, as for the story, a modern PC historical romance this is not, so be sure to shed any such expectations going in. In my opinion, however, this only makes it more ridiculously delicious. The heroine is a tiny teenaged red haired spitfire, the hero a jaded French sea captain/privateer in his 30s. He’s a jerk, she’s indignant, rinse and repeat. He cheats, abandons her, blames the loss of her virginity on her even though she was drunk on grog at the time, plays bizarre and ridiculous tricks on her...I could go on and on but I won’t spoil it. My understanding is that this audio version and a recent ebook release have actually been Bowdlerized to accommodate modern sensibilities - heaven forfend! I’d love to read it as originally published. They just don’t write ‘em like that nowadays, which can be...boring. Of course, since it’s a historical romance, there’s a happily ever after.