Garland of Straw (Roundheads & Cavaliers) (Volume 2), by Stella Riley
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Garland of Straw (Roundheads & Cavaliers) (Volume 2), by Stella Riley
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The marriage of a well-bred Royalist lady and an illegitimate Roundhead Colonel is less a match made in heaven than a union doomed to hell. Unfortunately, Venetia Clifford and Gabriel Brandon have little choice in the matter - deeply though they both resent it. Their tempestuous relationship is reflected in the stormy events buffeting the nation as England slides into a second Civil War. Gabriel continues to serve in the New Model Army while, behind his back, Venetia engages in clandestine activities on behalf of the King; and their lives are further complicated when Gabriel's legitimate half-brother - to whom Venetia was formerly betrothed - returns from exile. While the Army and Parliament argue over the fate of the King, Gabriel realises that he has a dangerous anonymous enemy and Venetia finally begins to look past the Army uniform to the man who wears it. As events gather pace, bringing the King to trial, the tangled web of danger and deceit surrounding both Gabriel and Venetia slowly tightens its grip. Set against the compelling times which led to the execution of Charles 1, Garland of Straw is the story of a seemingly impossible love and also provides further chapters in the lives of characters previously encountered in The Black Madonna.
Garland of Straw (Roundheads & Cavaliers) (Volume 2), by Stella Riley- Amazon Sales Rank: #1919825 in Books
- Published on: 2015-03-24
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x 1.37" w x 6.00" l,
- Binding: Paperback
- 606 pages
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Actually, 4.5 Stars By Linda Jean Time stops for me when I read a Stella Riley book - she's that good that I drop all I should do and concentrate on the world she's created. This book - and I loved it - was a bit different from her other books in that it was very heavy on the history, and lighter on the romance. Shallow I may be, but I'm more interested in the romance. Riley's romance is so perfectly presented that it's well worth wading through the history.I like history, so I hope I can describe this without turning readers off from the book. English history is pretty complex from an American viewpoint, especially when it deals, as this one does, with the civil war waged during the time of Charles I. Roundheads, royalists, cavaliers, Cromwell, Parliament, Puritans, earls, dukes and barons all shifting allegiances from time to time - well, it's hard to keep them all straight. In particular, I still find myself unsure of whose side I should be on and have difficulty tracking who is on whose side. Civil wars are always difficult to navigate, but this one takes the prize.I tried to follow the history as much as I could, but I admit to skimming quite a bit in the beginning until I found the threads to the romance that was worth digging for. Gabriel and Venetia are both reluctant to marry, but find themselves in circumstances that force them to do so. Having met for the first time at the reading of a will, they have each formed a very unfavorable impression of each other. To wit, she sees him as a bastard (which he is) and he sees her as a sharp-tongued shrew (which she certainly seems to be).The beauty of Riley's work is how utterly and totally believable she makes their distaste for each other. None of the usual 'marriage of convenience' wherein they profess to dislike each other but are secretly attracted. These two just plain don't like or respect each other - and show no inclination to change their minds. It's a delightful set up.This book gets better and better the more you read. The plot twists, turns and mysteries keep you enthralled and it makes for a really absorbing read. My favorite part, however, is the gratifying satisfaction of watching this unwanted marriage slowly (and believably) turn into a consummation devoutly to be desired.I only wish Ms. Riley had more books that I haven't yet read. Her talent is amazing!!!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. "I'll Crown thee with a Garland of straw....." By Misfit Its 1647 when the novel begins, England's *first* Civil War is over, and Robert Brandon's will bypasses his legitimate son Ellis in favor of a previously unknown illegitimate son Gabriel Brandon - an officer in Cromwell's New Model Army. Royalist Venetia Clifford must wed Gabriel in order to save her family's lands (don't ask me to explain its way too complicated) and is none too happy as she'd always planned on marrying Ellis. Neither are thrilled at the match and things get off to a frosty start to say the least. Page 139 on the *cough* wedding night between the unwilling to be married pair,"Because, hard though it may be hard for you to accept, I'm not inclined towards rape and have an undoubtedly plebian preference for more than just a body between the sheets. Even, I'm afraid, when the goods on offer are as decorative as you."The two are soon find themselves in the midst of intrigues, treachery and murder (who is trying to kill Gabriel and why?) as the political climate and the conflict between Charles I, Cromwell, Parliament heats to a fever pitch (as do Gabriel and Venetia). Will the two be able to find happiness despite their political differences? Will Ellis' schemes forever keep the two apart? That's about as far as I go - this is just too complicated a story and political climate to spell out in a simple review.The middle of the book bogged down a bit in the retelling of the history where there was more telling than showing, and Riley's writing seemed to fall off a bit towards the end and actually got quite redundant. The overuse of the expression "quite", as well as Gabriel's upraised "sardonic brow" and Venetia's "amethyst eyes" was a bit tiresome after awhile. I'm fairly certain there was a least one book preceding this one (I'm guessing Black Madonna) and while this did stand well enough on it's own I also had a few moments where characters came up out of nowhere that everyone else knew and I felt like I'd come late to the party.Those minor nits aside, I did enjoy the book a lot, especially at the first with Venetia's escapades aiding fugitive cavaliers (some laugh out loud moments there), as well as the verbal sparring between Venetia and Gabriel when she tried to pull the wool over his eyes. I liked how she worked Venetia into the trial and execution of Charles I, it was nicely done and I felt like I was there. One thing that did go completely over my head until Riley's notes at the end were that a couple of minor characters in this book were the main focus of Splendid Defiance. Wish I'd known that going in....This book is very expensive used but don't be afraid to shop around (or check the library) and you might get lucky. I do not recommend this for someone with no prior knowledge about this period, but if you're hooked on the on it and want to learn more you might want to give this one a whirl. Four stars.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Garland of Straw By Cphe Was so very happy to see Stella Riley's books made available for kindle. At one time a print copy of this very fine historical romance was as rare as hens teeth.A tumultuous and passionate romance set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. Gabriel and Venetia are a well suited couple, both loyal to a fault, determined and strong willed, forced by circumstances into a marriage neither one desires.The characters in this very strong and detailed historical romance step off the page from the dour and reserved Roundheads to the flamboyant and charming Cavaliers.An excellent author, a well executed plot and a very satisfying romance. Worthy of the high rating.
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