The Marigold Chain

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's 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.

©1983, 2012, 2015 Stella Riley (P)2018 Stella Riley

Alex Wyndham made this story for me.

The beginning didn't grip me, but Alex did, so I stayed with the book. The story was prety good, but there was a lack of depth. The characters could have been better developed. Not one of Stella Riley's best works.

Excellent--Buy it!

Riley's audiobooks are an auto buy for me, and this one is such fun. Alex and Chloe are great fun (even if I wanted to knock their heads together) and watching them get to know each other is so rewarding. Alex Wyndham's voice is sex on a stick, as it were, and he does a beautiful job as usual. Political intrigue and romance blend seamlessly, and the only bad thing is that this book isn't longer!

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.

The Marigold Chain by Stella Riley

I enjoyed the plot, very expertly woven into historical facts. Well read, the pathos had me in tears. A very satisfactory conclusion - thank you I found it difficult to put it down!

what a great book

I love Stella Riley and I love Alex narrating. It has parts that make you laugh and some sad parts. it's a great historical romance, adventure book!

Exceptional!!

I was hesitant to read this book because I don't normally care about sea journeys, piracy or similar kinds of adventure books, but....I ended up absolutely loving this book! I had ignorantly assumed the 'Marigold chain' in the title referenced something belonging to a ship. The actual reference of Marigold and the Marigold chain was much sweeter. Loved it!

There's historical romance, then historical books with a romance. This is a historical book with, oh, such a great love story!! Stella Riley writes like one from the past, bringing to life 17th century England, which I know little about. I felt enlightened and engaged as Riley details significant events of that time from Naval battles with the Dutch and French, espionage and treason, notable figures like King Charles and Prince Rupert, to the Great Fire of 1666. The mannerisms, speech, food, customs, trade, era specific legalities, and general layout of London seemed impeccably congruous with the little I do know about this time period.

Thank you Stella Riley for allowing me to escape while also learning. I couldn't stop listening. Of course, Alex Wyndham has become one of my favorite narrators and performs the foreign accents and varying dialects superbly. Would highly recommend this book.

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!

An old favorite reborn in audio

I have loved The Marigold Chain for years. The story is a compelling mix of history and romance, both beautifully languaged and researched. Alex Wyndham performs, as usual, with vocal beauty and grace, bringing the characters vibrantly alive, and adds another dimension of enjoyment to an already wonderful novel.