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Roundheads and Cavaliers #2
Garland of Straw
The end of the English Civil War marks the beginning of a new conflict between Parliament and the Army - in which King Charles becomes a valuable but devious pawn.
In distant Yorkshire, staunchly Royalist Venetia Clifford struggles to keep Ford Edge solvent while assisting fugitive Cavaliers to evade capture and awaiting the return of her exiled fiance, Ellis Brandon. Then the last will and testament of Ellis' father - to whom Ford Edge has been temporarily assigned - confronts her with a choice between either losing her home or marrying Ellis' illegitimate elder brother. Gabriel Brandon is a total stranger and a Colonel in the New Model Army.
In distant Yorkshire, staunchly Royalist Venetia Clifford struggles to keep Ford Edge solvent while assisting fugitive Cavaliers to evade capture and awaiting the return of her exiled fiance, Ellis Brandon. Then the last will and testament of Ellis' father - to whom Ford Edge has been temporarily assigned - confronts her with a choice between either losing her home or marrying Ellis' illegitimate elder brother. Gabriel Brandon is a total stranger and a Colonel in the New Model Army.
ebook
First published January 1, 1993
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About the author
Stella Riley
23 books455 followers Stella Riley lives in Kent, England. She enjoys theatre, travel and playing the harpsichord.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
Her award-winning 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times!) is available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
She is also the author of 6 books set in the 17th century: The Marigold Chain, A Splendid Defiance, The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King's Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
All titles are available from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Rockliffe Book 6 - Cadenza - is the 2019 Readers' Favourite gold medallist for Historical Romance and also the 2021 Book Excellence Awards winner in the Romance category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 4, 2019
I'm really glad I got all the book in this series before starting reading it, because this is the sequel of Black Madonna, even if the focal couple is not the same.
Here the heroine is Venetia - a loyal royalist forced to marry Gabriel, the bastard brother of the man she was betrothed in the previous book and who's also a captain in the Neew Model army! You can immagine how that worked!
During several chapters sparks fly, mostly due to Venetia stubborness and unwillingness to see anything good in her husband, but eventually things change and hate transforms into love.
But that's not the only thing happening here. As in the previous book there're many historical facts interwoven into their story and many new interesting secondary characters introduced and many others that we're already introduced to!
I loved everything here and I loved the way the story is told! Intelligent and witty dialogue, intriguing historical facts, great descriptions - this book have everything!
Here the heroine is Venetia - a loyal royalist forced to marry Gabriel, the bastard brother of the man she was betrothed in the previous book and who's also a captain in the Neew Model army! You can immagine how that worked!
During several chapters sparks fly, mostly due to Venetia stubborness and unwillingness to see anything good in her husband, but eventually things change and hate transforms into love.
But that's not the only thing happening here. As in the previous book there're many historical facts interwoven into their story and many new interesting secondary characters introduced and many others that we're already introduced to!
I loved everything here and I loved the way the story is told! Intelligent and witty dialogue, intriguing historical facts, great descriptions - this book have everything!
March 6, 2022
Stella Riley never fails. Each time I’ve completed one of her beautifully written historical treasures, I come away thinking it’s a new favorite. Garland of Straw in audio with the talented Alex Wyndham does not disappoint by meeting every expectation and more. As usual, the writing is loaded with meticulously researched historical content with zero “filler” type fluff. The characters come alive with deft & masterly descriptions and bookmark-worthy dialogue.
Though I cherish Stella Riley’s entire library, I also look forward to escaping into Alex Wyndham’s strong performances as one of my favorite narrators - making it a dynamic duo. I'll continue to enjoy her books for years to come and look forward to any new material along the way.
Though I cherish Stella Riley’s entire library, I also look forward to escaping into Alex Wyndham’s strong performances as one of my favorite narrators - making it a dynamic duo. I'll continue to enjoy her books for years to come and look forward to any new material along the way.
November 16, 2023
4.5 stars
It was never going to be anything other than it was. The route to being rid of him.’
Second in Stella Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series, we're once again immersed into political, societal, and familial drama during the second part of the English Civil War (1640s). The first in the series (The Black Madonna) was about the build up and first part while also introducing us to three families and other assorted characters that represented sides of the war. While the first installment mainly followed a Roundhead family along with an outsider's perspective, our heroine is a Cavalier and forced to marry a Roundhead.
While in the first, I thought the author had too many irons in the fire that lead to a somewhat fractured story, she nails the inclusion of real historical events and people with her fictional characters. Our hero Gabriel is a Colonel in the Roundhead army and thus, we are given an amazing inclusion and relay of the events of the day.
‘So that,’ concluded Venetia, ‘is it. I’m required to forget the man I’ve been betrothed to for five years in order to marry a base-born Roundhead usurper.
If you read the first in the series, you'll remember Venetia and her betrothal to Ellis Brandon. She's a heroine that will make you feel like she takes stubbornness and obstinate actions to the next level for the majority of the story. Her forced hand and lack of control in instances of vital importance are worth remembering but mirrored against Gabriel's strong, steadfast, and generous attitude, will have you feeling very frustrated with her. Their romance is very slow burning and the turmoil swirling around them are much more front and center; this is historical fiction with a thread of romance. That is not to say that their romance isn't inspired, Gabriel is a hero you'll fall in love with, just that I couldn't help reveling in all the historical drama taking place.
Said Algernon Sidney, ‘The King can be tried by no Court; and no man can be tried by this Court.’
‘I tell you,’ replied Cromwell, ‘we will cut off his head with the Crown upon it.’
The way the author relayed history and wove it into a story that was entertaining along with intellectually stimulating deserves a standing ovation. I was lost into the various different factions of the Army, Parliament, rising up of Levellers, and various others fighting for control, and bringing and introducing new ideals that pop up in our government today. This was living breathing history that directly shaped and impacts us today. I felt the passion of Free-born John, the self-righteousness of Cromwell, the weariness and fear of the people, and the monumental moment of trying a King.
Our heroine and hero have a bit of side story and drama but I thought the author did a better job, than the first, of integrating it into the overall and spotlight deserving Army and Parliament battles of the Civil War. Books like this is how you reach people who think history is boring, they'll learn, it will spark thinking, and be entertained. I can't wait to read on in the series to follow along with these characters Riley has created to see what becomes of them, not mention England's growth struggle.
It was never going to be anything other than it was. The route to being rid of him.’
Second in Stella Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series, we're once again immersed into political, societal, and familial drama during the second part of the English Civil War (1640s). The first in the series (The Black Madonna) was about the build up and first part while also introducing us to three families and other assorted characters that represented sides of the war. While the first installment mainly followed a Roundhead family along with an outsider's perspective, our heroine is a Cavalier and forced to marry a Roundhead.
While in the first, I thought the author had too many irons in the fire that lead to a somewhat fractured story, she nails the inclusion of real historical events and people with her fictional characters. Our hero Gabriel is a Colonel in the Roundhead army and thus, we are given an amazing inclusion and relay of the events of the day.
‘So that,’ concluded Venetia, ‘is it. I’m required to forget the man I’ve been betrothed to for five years in order to marry a base-born Roundhead usurper.
If you read the first in the series, you'll remember Venetia and her betrothal to Ellis Brandon. She's a heroine that will make you feel like she takes stubbornness and obstinate actions to the next level for the majority of the story. Her forced hand and lack of control in instances of vital importance are worth remembering but mirrored against Gabriel's strong, steadfast, and generous attitude, will have you feeling very frustrated with her. Their romance is very slow burning and the turmoil swirling around them are much more front and center; this is historical fiction with a thread of romance. That is not to say that their romance isn't inspired, Gabriel is a hero you'll fall in love with, just that I couldn't help reveling in all the historical drama taking place.
Said Algernon Sidney, ‘The King can be tried by no Court; and no man can be tried by this Court.’
‘I tell you,’ replied Cromwell, ‘we will cut off his head with the Crown upon it.’
The way the author relayed history and wove it into a story that was entertaining along with intellectually stimulating deserves a standing ovation. I was lost into the various different factions of the Army, Parliament, rising up of Levellers, and various others fighting for control, and bringing and introducing new ideals that pop up in our government today. This was living breathing history that directly shaped and impacts us today. I felt the passion of Free-born John, the self-righteousness of Cromwell, the weariness and fear of the people, and the monumental moment of trying a King.
Our heroine and hero have a bit of side story and drama but I thought the author did a better job, than the first, of integrating it into the overall and spotlight deserving Army and Parliament battles of the Civil War. Books like this is how you reach people who think history is boring, they'll learn, it will spark thinking, and be entertained. I can't wait to read on in the series to follow along with these characters Riley has created to see what becomes of them, not mention England's growth struggle.
November 29, 2013
Garland of Straw
is a wonderfully written and very skilful blend of history and fiction which has, at its core, a tumultuous romance between opposites. In the highly unsettled period which followed the imprisonment of Charles I by Parliament in 1646, Venetia Clifford, a staunch supporter of King Charles, and Gabriel Brandon, a Colonel in the New Model Army, are forced to marry under the terms of a will which could otherwise deprive both of them of their homes.
When we met the beautiful and vivacious Venetia in The Black Madonna, she was at court in the service of the queen. She was in love with and betrothed to Ellis Brandon, son of a wealthy Yorkshire baron, but the intervening years have changed her. Ellis is fighting for the king, and she has not seen him in years. She will not admit it, but she is stung by the fact that he does not make much of an effort to keep in touch with her. Her brother, Kit, is dead, and she does not get a lot of help in managing the family estate - her mother is unable or unwilling to face the truth of their situation, and her sisters are too young to be of assistance, so Venetia is struggling to keep hearth and home together. The absence of someone to share her burdens has toughened her up rather a lot, and the carefree young woman she had been while at court has disappeared beneath a large pile of bitterness and cynicism.
Gabriel Brandon is a career soldier. While the term “mercenary” is primarily regarded as a derogatory one these days, in years gone by it was used simply to indicate a man who made his living as a soldier, travelling from one conflict to the next to ply his trade. Gabriel is such a man, having fought in many wars across Europe, and while his sympathies do indeed lie with Parliament, he is not fanatical, and certainly is not overly impressed with the way England has been run since the first war ended in 1646. I have no idea how the author does it, but Gabriel is yet another in her line of incredibly sexy, witty, highly intelligent and hugely capable heroes that stick in one’s memory long after the book is finished. He’s slightly older than the heroes of her other Civil War novels, which helps greatly to establish him as a man who knows what he wants and where he’s headed. This knowledge, of course, is about to be turned on its head, so that the man who had his life worked out is suddenly thrown from his course and will have to work hard to decide whether to find a new one, or disregard the road-bump and continue on his way regardless.
Venetia’s family home of Ford Edge is not far away from Brandon Lacey, whence she has been summoned to hear the will of the late Sir Robert. Because of Venetia’s betrothal to Ellis, and in order to prevent Ford Edge from sequestration (the act of seizure of property by the Parliament) Ford Edge had been in Sir Robert’s possession at the time of his death. His will dictates that the estate be returned to Venetia, but there is a condition. She must end her betrothal to Ellis and instead, marry Sir Robert’s illegitimate son, Gabriel.
Of course, both are appalled at the prospect, and Venetia wastes no time in making Gabriel aware of her feelings on the matter, insisting that the advantages of such a bargain are all on his side. But further investigation of the will proves that the canny Sir Robert has as just as effectively tied Gabriel’s hands, and that both parties stand to lose to a substantial degree if they refuse to tie the knot.
They have been given six months in which to wed or find a way out of it. Venetia can rant and storm all she wants – and she does – but they really do have no alternative and just before the allotted time expires, the reluctant pair are married.
It’s in the early stages of his relationship with Venetia that Gabriel’s maturity and strength of character really stand out. While she goes out of her way to be unpleasant to him, he takes it all in his stride – probably because he is well aware that it’s the best way to take the wind out of her sails and get his own back. While he is certainly more than capable of delivering a set-down that would make even the most seasoned campaigner quake in his boots, towards Venetia he is - for the most part - courteous, unflappable and dependable; so much so that she begins, very grudgingly, to develop a degree of respect, if not liking, for him.
It’s not until several months have passed that their relationship begins to take a real turn for the better. One night, while they are staying in London, Gabriel is set upon by a band of thugs and badly injured in the fight. While Venetia tends to him, they finally find themselves able to talk to each other on an even footing, without making jibes or trying to score points off each other. From then on, the adversarial nature of the early days of their marriage are put firmly behind them as Venetia finally allows herself to look beyond his uniform and see the true worth of the man she has married.
The pair forge a friendship born of their new-found respect and it’s not long before Venetia begins to recognise not only that her husband is a very good-looking man, but that she is deeply attracted to him – and in fact, has been so for some time. One of the things I love about Ms Riley’s romances is the fact that she allows her protagonists to find and realise their feelings for one another slowly and writes that in such a way that the reader, naturally a few steps ahead, is allowed to savour its progression. She is one of those authors who is able to make little things – a touch here, a glance there – generate more heat than some authors can do with a kiss or something more intimate, and the love scenes, when they finally take place, are well worth the wait.
As with The Black Madonna , there are numerous side and sub-plots, all of which are well-thought out and executed, descriptions of which would make this review much longer than it already is! Suffice to say there is a mystery running through the whole which sees several attempts made on Gabriel’s life and which culminates in a truly shocking turn of events for Venetia; there’s a secondary romance involving Sam Radford (Abigail's brother from A Splendid Defiance) and the continuing stories of Eden Maxwell and Francis Langley – all of it set against the backdrop of the continuing conflict between king and parliament which is heading in a direction that is impossible for many to contemplate.
While it isn’t absolutely necessary to have read The Black Madonna before reading this book, I would certainly advise it. The period covered in Garland of Straw (1647-1649) was a time of massive upheaval and unrest in England, so it would certainly help to have a rough idea of the historical background to the story and who the central characters are, many of whom appeared in the previous book.
This is an incredibly complex period of British history, and that complexity is woven through the book as events are seen and described through the eyes – and thoughts – of her fictional characters as well as the many who actually existed. I will admit that there were a couple of times I wanted to gloss over the history – not because I’m uninterested in the detail, but because by that time, I was so invested in what was going on with Gabriel, Venetia and the other fictional characters I’ve come to know and love, that I was more concerned with how they were getting on than with what was happening to the real historical figures! But that, in the end, comes down to personal preference, and I can only put it down to Ms Riley’s skill in having made her own characters so very captivating!
Garland of Straw is a real treat for anyone who enjoys well-researched and well-written historical fiction who also enjoys a well-developed and emotionally satisfying romance. It is the second book in a projected series of four, and although the final two books were not subsequently completed, the good news is that work on book three is now underway.
I, for one, can’t wait.
When we met the beautiful and vivacious Venetia in The Black Madonna, she was at court in the service of the queen. She was in love with and betrothed to Ellis Brandon, son of a wealthy Yorkshire baron, but the intervening years have changed her. Ellis is fighting for the king, and she has not seen him in years. She will not admit it, but she is stung by the fact that he does not make much of an effort to keep in touch with her. Her brother, Kit, is dead, and she does not get a lot of help in managing the family estate - her mother is unable or unwilling to face the truth of their situation, and her sisters are too young to be of assistance, so Venetia is struggling to keep hearth and home together. The absence of someone to share her burdens has toughened her up rather a lot, and the carefree young woman she had been while at court has disappeared beneath a large pile of bitterness and cynicism.
Gabriel Brandon is a career soldier. While the term “mercenary” is primarily regarded as a derogatory one these days, in years gone by it was used simply to indicate a man who made his living as a soldier, travelling from one conflict to the next to ply his trade. Gabriel is such a man, having fought in many wars across Europe, and while his sympathies do indeed lie with Parliament, he is not fanatical, and certainly is not overly impressed with the way England has been run since the first war ended in 1646. I have no idea how the author does it, but Gabriel is yet another in her line of incredibly sexy, witty, highly intelligent and hugely capable heroes that stick in one’s memory long after the book is finished. He’s slightly older than the heroes of her other Civil War novels, which helps greatly to establish him as a man who knows what he wants and where he’s headed. This knowledge, of course, is about to be turned on its head, so that the man who had his life worked out is suddenly thrown from his course and will have to work hard to decide whether to find a new one, or disregard the road-bump and continue on his way regardless.
Venetia’s family home of Ford Edge is not far away from Brandon Lacey, whence she has been summoned to hear the will of the late Sir Robert. Because of Venetia’s betrothal to Ellis, and in order to prevent Ford Edge from sequestration (the act of seizure of property by the Parliament) Ford Edge had been in Sir Robert’s possession at the time of his death. His will dictates that the estate be returned to Venetia, but there is a condition. She must end her betrothal to Ellis and instead, marry Sir Robert’s illegitimate son, Gabriel.
Of course, both are appalled at the prospect, and Venetia wastes no time in making Gabriel aware of her feelings on the matter, insisting that the advantages of such a bargain are all on his side. But further investigation of the will proves that the canny Sir Robert has as just as effectively tied Gabriel’s hands, and that both parties stand to lose to a substantial degree if they refuse to tie the knot.
They have been given six months in which to wed or find a way out of it. Venetia can rant and storm all she wants – and she does – but they really do have no alternative and just before the allotted time expires, the reluctant pair are married.
It’s in the early stages of his relationship with Venetia that Gabriel’s maturity and strength of character really stand out. While she goes out of her way to be unpleasant to him, he takes it all in his stride – probably because he is well aware that it’s the best way to take the wind out of her sails and get his own back. While he is certainly more than capable of delivering a set-down that would make even the most seasoned campaigner quake in his boots, towards Venetia he is - for the most part - courteous, unflappable and dependable; so much so that she begins, very grudgingly, to develop a degree of respect, if not liking, for him.
It’s not until several months have passed that their relationship begins to take a real turn for the better. One night, while they are staying in London, Gabriel is set upon by a band of thugs and badly injured in the fight. While Venetia tends to him, they finally find themselves able to talk to each other on an even footing, without making jibes or trying to score points off each other. From then on, the adversarial nature of the early days of their marriage are put firmly behind them as Venetia finally allows herself to look beyond his uniform and see the true worth of the man she has married.
The pair forge a friendship born of their new-found respect and it’s not long before Venetia begins to recognise not only that her husband is a very good-looking man, but that she is deeply attracted to him – and in fact, has been so for some time. One of the things I love about Ms Riley’s romances is the fact that she allows her protagonists to find and realise their feelings for one another slowly and writes that in such a way that the reader, naturally a few steps ahead, is allowed to savour its progression. She is one of those authors who is able to make little things – a touch here, a glance there – generate more heat than some authors can do with a kiss or something more intimate, and the love scenes, when they finally take place, are well worth the wait.
As with The Black Madonna , there are numerous side and sub-plots, all of which are well-thought out and executed, descriptions of which would make this review much longer than it already is! Suffice to say there is a mystery running through the whole which sees several attempts made on Gabriel’s life and which culminates in a truly shocking turn of events for Venetia; there’s a secondary romance involving Sam Radford (Abigail's brother from A Splendid Defiance) and the continuing stories of Eden Maxwell and Francis Langley – all of it set against the backdrop of the continuing conflict between king and parliament which is heading in a direction that is impossible for many to contemplate.
While it isn’t absolutely necessary to have read The Black Madonna before reading this book, I would certainly advise it. The period covered in Garland of Straw (1647-1649) was a time of massive upheaval and unrest in England, so it would certainly help to have a rough idea of the historical background to the story and who the central characters are, many of whom appeared in the previous book.
This is an incredibly complex period of British history, and that complexity is woven through the book as events are seen and described through the eyes – and thoughts – of her fictional characters as well as the many who actually existed. I will admit that there were a couple of times I wanted to gloss over the history – not because I’m uninterested in the detail, but because by that time, I was so invested in what was going on with Gabriel, Venetia and the other fictional characters I’ve come to know and love, that I was more concerned with how they were getting on than with what was happening to the real historical figures! But that, in the end, comes down to personal preference, and I can only put it down to Ms Riley’s skill in having made her own characters so very captivating!
Garland of Straw is a real treat for anyone who enjoys well-researched and well-written historical fiction who also enjoys a well-developed and emotionally satisfying romance. It is the second book in a projected series of four, and although the final two books were not subsequently completed, the good news is that work on book three is now underway.
I, for one, can’t wait.
August 30, 2024
2024 AUDIOBOOK RELISTEN: This is still the golden standard for historical fiction and one of the best iterations of the enemies to lovers trope I’ve ever ckme across!
Listening to the audiobook over Christmas w/e made me fall even more in love with this story and characters. Such a perfect blend of angsty romance, personal drama and political upheaval. Truly one of the most solid works in this genre. Stella Riley’s Colonel Brandon is simply the dreamiest HR hero and miles better than Jane Austen’s character by the same name and title.
5 stars that feel more like 10
I waited an entire day before writing a review for this book because, as it’s invariably the case with books you’ve loved more than a normal amount, I find it very difficult to put my feelings into words.
A Garland of Straw features a perfect blend of historical fiction, drama and romance. The two MCs, Gabriel and Venetia, are nothing short of wonderful: on opposite sides of the English civil war, they find themselves bound in a marriage of convenience that both despise. The way their mutual dislike and mistrust turns into an all encompassing love is beautifully drawn by Riley.
It certainly helps that both characters are exceptional and incredibly honourable in their own right: with these two it’s a matter of two soulmates recognising each other once the first impressions start to fade. The development of their relationship was perfectly paced and so engrossing to follow that I had to force myself to this book down more than once. Their bond was truly something incredible to see!
I’ve rarely met a hero more compassionate and loving than Gabriel, while being strong and reliable at the same time. I don’t say this often but…what a man! At the same time, I fell in love with Venetia and her innate sense of loyalty from the very first chapter. Yes, she behaves unjustly towards Gabriel in the beginning, and while her own difficulties don’t justify her, the most important thing is that she recognised her mistakes and changed. Female characters that have all their defences up and slowly learn to trust their feelings always end up being my favourites, and Venetia proved to be a truly remarkable woman.
Unlike the first book in the series, the narrative in this one felt much more cohesive and straightforward, perhaps because both main characters were directly involved in the political intrigues featured here. It’s one thing to read updates on what’s happening outside of the characters’ lives, and quite another to see them being affected by historical events. It makes for a much more interesting and gripping read. The ongoing debate regarding the law and political rights I also found much more interesting than descriptions of military tactics.
The backstory behind the Brandon ‘Garland of Straw’ was also fascinating. Add to that a very likeable set of supporting characters (with the exclusion perhaps of Eden Maxwell), and you have a wonderful piece of historical and romantic fiction! I look forward to reading ‘The King’s Falcon’ since thankfully I took an immediate liking to Ashley Peverell, but I know that Garland of Straw will remain one of my forever favorites.
Listening to the audiobook over Christmas w/e made me fall even more in love with this story and characters. Such a perfect blend of angsty romance, personal drama and political upheaval. Truly one of the most solid works in this genre. Stella Riley’s Colonel Brandon is simply the dreamiest HR hero and miles better than Jane Austen’s character by the same name and title.
5 stars that feel more like 10
I waited an entire day before writing a review for this book because, as it’s invariably the case with books you’ve loved more than a normal amount, I find it very difficult to put my feelings into words.
A Garland of Straw features a perfect blend of historical fiction, drama and romance. The two MCs, Gabriel and Venetia, are nothing short of wonderful: on opposite sides of the English civil war, they find themselves bound in a marriage of convenience that both despise. The way their mutual dislike and mistrust turns into an all encompassing love is beautifully drawn by Riley.
It certainly helps that both characters are exceptional and incredibly honourable in their own right: with these two it’s a matter of two soulmates recognising each other once the first impressions start to fade. The development of their relationship was perfectly paced and so engrossing to follow that I had to force myself to this book down more than once. Their bond was truly something incredible to see!
I’ve rarely met a hero more compassionate and loving than Gabriel, while being strong and reliable at the same time. I don’t say this often but…what a man! At the same time, I fell in love with Venetia and her innate sense of loyalty from the very first chapter. Yes, she behaves unjustly towards Gabriel in the beginning, and while her own difficulties don’t justify her, the most important thing is that she recognised her mistakes and changed. Female characters that have all their defences up and slowly learn to trust their feelings always end up being my favourites, and Venetia proved to be a truly remarkable woman.
Unlike the first book in the series, the narrative in this one felt much more cohesive and straightforward, perhaps because both main characters were directly involved in the political intrigues featured here. It’s one thing to read updates on what’s happening outside of the characters’ lives, and quite another to see them being affected by historical events. It makes for a much more interesting and gripping read. The ongoing debate regarding the law and political rights I also found much more interesting than descriptions of military tactics.
The backstory behind the Brandon ‘Garland of Straw’ was also fascinating. Add to that a very likeable set of supporting characters (with the exclusion perhaps of Eden Maxwell), and you have a wonderful piece of historical and romantic fiction! I look forward to reading ‘The King’s Falcon’ since thankfully I took an immediate liking to Ashley Peverell, but I know that Garland of Straw will remain one of my forever favorites.
December 8, 2015
Spanning the duration of round two of the English Civil War, this second volume in the series deals with the Cliffords, one of the three protagonist families—one Parliamentarian and two Royalist—that drive the overarching plot in Riley's saga.
The de facto head of the family is Venetia Clifford, a commanding former lady-in-waiting to the Queen whom the deaths in battle of her father and eldest brother and the exile of her second brother, not to mention her mother's weak spirits and the young age of her sisters, has forced to take up the reins and try to salvage her home. To keep it safe from the Sequestration decree issued by the winning Parliament that confiscated all Royalists' property, her father had given the country estate with full ownership to Sir Robert Brandon, with an eye on allowing the Cliffords to still live there and manage its production whilst the old Roundhead nobleman poses as the owner on paper. Now he's dead, and his will contains a nasty surprise for everyone concerned.
Because, for a start, the will disinherits Sir Robert's only legitimate child, Ellis Brandon, who happens to be Venetia's fiancé of ages, on grounds of being a Royalist and a ne'er-do-well, leaving illegitimate-born Colonel Gabriel Brandon as his heir, and giving back to Venetia the ownership of the Clifford lands . . . on condition she marry his bastard. Tell about nasty surprises! And the worst aspect is that they cannot simply "pretend-marry" just so Venetia can have her home back and then divorce or annul their marriage; and neither can the Colonel just bestow the property on her, sell it to her or anyone else, much less can anyone but a legitimate child of Ellis or of the Colonel himself get all that as inheritance. Sir Robert was canny, and the will is so astutely devoid of holes that only marriage between these two people seems the only option.
Trouble is, Gabriel Brandon and Venetia Clifford have a bad case of hate at first sight.
Unsurprising given their opposite political views, as one is an efficient Roundhead battlefield commander and the other is involved in fundraising for the Cavaliers and smuggling King's agents in and out. Venetia is so incensed by the infamous clause as much as by the offensive fact that she, a noblewoman and daughter to a Viscount, has to be wife to a common soldier and bastard, and outright insults him on sight. Also unsurprisingly, Gabriel dislikes her back for her arrogance and terrible temper. Yet circumstances get bleaker, nobody tells them about any better alternatives, and both have to swallow their mutual loathing and grumblingly bow to Sir Robert's will, she with better reasons than him for she has not only herself but her family's security in mind.
You can imagine how blissful their married life was thenceforward. The battlefield that their house becomes reflects the battlefield that the entirety of Britain has become, and although Venetia and Gabriel are perpetually quarrelling and snapping viciously at each other (she in particular), they're rather moderate (him in particular) in comparison to all the quarrelsome factions existing in the country that converge towards the capital, London. This second iteration of the war is even messier than the first on account of such disparate parties, as Riley explains briefly in her Author's Note. It's not just plain old Cavaliers vs. Roundheads anymore, now there's the Independents, the Levellers, the Agitators, the Engagers, the Presbyterians, the Moderates, the People's Front of England, the English Popular Front, the English People's Front . . .
I lost count, mates!
However, this second war is briefer and victory goes again to the Parliament. Gabriel fights with the New Model Army during this last stage of the conflict with Eden Maxwell as his Major, coming across certain already known characters, and will also come across a revelation that'll have unforeseen results.
To this point, the plot has unravelled smoothly, following the mix of romance and politics and action that I've come to identify with Riley's trademark storytelling for this saga. Although Venetia's arrogance, her looking-for-a-fight attitude, hasty conclusions, and her irritable snappish ripostes to everyone in general and her husband in particular are liable to make many develop a dislike of her character, Gabriel isn't much better than her at this stage pertaining their relationship, the way I see it, for he gives as good as he takes and is just as prejudiced and hasty as she is, with the one salvaging difference that he hasn't made it his goal to provoke quarrels with his wife. Yet despite their fractious relationship, there's hints here and there that a gradual understanding and mutual respect is germinating, and by the middle of the book, it does look like the stage is set for them to finally smooth the last crease out and reconcile their differences, and allow the budding feelings to bloom. I wasn't mistaken about that, but the way it happened I definitely found objectionable.
As for why, my highly spoilerish reasons are hidden below.
Fortunately, it's the only bump in the road. For me at least, so aside the sour taste it left in my mouth it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, a very useful compartmentalisation in these cases, I should add. Perhaps because I was not reading the book for the romance but for the story as a whole, as I'd already fallen in love with the overarching premise, the Maxwells and a few characters, so I took to the new plot like a duck to water and was immensely pleased to see the reappearance of beloved characters (and what an entrance it was for one of them!). Besides that, just like the first volume did, this one has an underlying mystery and a murderous plot for the main characters to solve; which they do, although the solution I was able to guess out this time unlike with the former book, which I didn't till it was spelt out loud, so it wasn't as big a surprise.
Although each volume in this series is a standalone as it pertains the two protagonists that dominate the plot in each, and although each book also neatly ties up the plot for said duo, both the overarching plot as well as the arcs of characters involved as secondaries or that were/will be protagonists is by no means wrapped up, so there might be cliffhangers for some of them. Due to that, and for avoiding being spoilt as to one particular secondary-yet-not-much-so character that appears here and in the first volume, I recommend to start with "A Splendid Defiance" by the same author before embarking on this series. It's not part of this series, but given that it's in the same time period and the protagonists do appear in the first two volumes, I am starting to informally count it in as such. And I certainly am running on like a rabbit to the next and third volume!
The de facto head of the family is Venetia Clifford, a commanding former lady-in-waiting to the Queen whom the deaths in battle of her father and eldest brother and the exile of her second brother, not to mention her mother's weak spirits and the young age of her sisters, has forced to take up the reins and try to salvage her home. To keep it safe from the Sequestration decree issued by the winning Parliament that confiscated all Royalists' property, her father had given the country estate with full ownership to Sir Robert Brandon, with an eye on allowing the Cliffords to still live there and manage its production whilst the old Roundhead nobleman poses as the owner on paper. Now he's dead, and his will contains a nasty surprise for everyone concerned.
Because, for a start, the will disinherits Sir Robert's only legitimate child, Ellis Brandon, who happens to be Venetia's fiancé of ages, on grounds of being a Royalist and a ne'er-do-well, leaving illegitimate-born Colonel Gabriel Brandon as his heir, and giving back to Venetia the ownership of the Clifford lands . . . on condition she marry his bastard. Tell about nasty surprises! And the worst aspect is that they cannot simply "pretend-marry" just so Venetia can have her home back and then divorce or annul their marriage; and neither can the Colonel just bestow the property on her, sell it to her or anyone else, much less can anyone but a legitimate child of Ellis or of the Colonel himself get all that as inheritance. Sir Robert was canny, and the will is so astutely devoid of holes that only marriage between these two people seems the only option.
Trouble is, Gabriel Brandon and Venetia Clifford have a bad case of hate at first sight.
Unsurprising given their opposite political views, as one is an efficient Roundhead battlefield commander and the other is involved in fundraising for the Cavaliers and smuggling King's agents in and out. Venetia is so incensed by the infamous clause as much as by the offensive fact that she, a noblewoman and daughter to a Viscount, has to be wife to a common soldier and bastard, and outright insults him on sight. Also unsurprisingly, Gabriel dislikes her back for her arrogance and terrible temper. Yet circumstances get bleaker, nobody tells them about any better alternatives, and both have to swallow their mutual loathing and grumblingly bow to Sir Robert's will, she with better reasons than him for she has not only herself but her family's security in mind.
You can imagine how blissful their married life was thenceforward. The battlefield that their house becomes reflects the battlefield that the entirety of Britain has become, and although Venetia and Gabriel are perpetually quarrelling and snapping viciously at each other (she in particular), they're rather moderate (him in particular) in comparison to all the quarrelsome factions existing in the country that converge towards the capital, London. This second iteration of the war is even messier than the first on account of such disparate parties, as Riley explains briefly in her Author's Note. It's not just plain old Cavaliers vs. Roundheads anymore, now there's the Independents, the Levellers, the Agitators, the Engagers, the Presbyterians, the Moderates, the People's Front of England, the English Popular Front, the English People's Front . . .
I lost count, mates!
However, this second war is briefer and victory goes again to the Parliament. Gabriel fights with the New Model Army during this last stage of the conflict with Eden Maxwell as his Major, coming across certain already known characters, and will also come across a revelation that'll have unforeseen results.
To this point, the plot has unravelled smoothly, following the mix of romance and politics and action that I've come to identify with Riley's trademark storytelling for this saga. Although Venetia's arrogance, her looking-for-a-fight attitude, hasty conclusions, and her irritable snappish ripostes to everyone in general and her husband in particular are liable to make many develop a dislike of her character, Gabriel isn't much better than her at this stage pertaining their relationship, the way I see it, for he gives as good as he takes and is just as prejudiced and hasty as she is, with the one salvaging difference that he hasn't made it his goal to provoke quarrels with his wife. Yet despite their fractious relationship, there's hints here and there that a gradual understanding and mutual respect is germinating, and by the middle of the book, it does look like the stage is set for them to finally smooth the last crease out and reconcile their differences, and allow the budding feelings to bloom. I wasn't mistaken about that, but the way it happened I definitely found objectionable.
As for why, my highly spoilerish reasons are hidden below.
Fortunately, it's the only bump in the road. For me at least, so aside the sour taste it left in my mouth it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, a very useful compartmentalisation in these cases, I should add. Perhaps because I was not reading the book for the romance but for the story as a whole, as I'd already fallen in love with the overarching premise, the Maxwells and a few characters, so I took to the new plot like a duck to water and was immensely pleased to see the reappearance of beloved characters (and what an entrance it was for one of them!). Besides that, just like the first volume did, this one has an underlying mystery and a murderous plot for the main characters to solve; which they do, although the solution I was able to guess out this time unlike with the former book, which I didn't till it was spelt out loud, so it wasn't as big a surprise.
Although each volume in this series is a standalone as it pertains the two protagonists that dominate the plot in each, and although each book also neatly ties up the plot for said duo, both the overarching plot as well as the arcs of characters involved as secondaries or that were/will be protagonists is by no means wrapped up, so there might be cliffhangers for some of them. Due to that, and for avoiding being spoilt as to one particular secondary-yet-not-much-so character that appears here and in the first volume, I recommend to start with "A Splendid Defiance" by the same author before embarking on this series. It's not part of this series, but given that it's in the same time period and the protagonists do appear in the first two volumes, I am starting to informally count it in as such. And I certainly am running on like a rabbit to the next and third volume!
January 14, 2021
Audio review - 18 September 2020
Stella Riley only became known to me five years ago when a respected reviewer friend recommended her books on Goodreads. I was intrigued and chose The Marigold Chain for my first read, based purely on the title (I am always attracted by classy titles and covers and this author has both). TMC is a standalone story set during the restoration period and it was fabulous enough to make me want to read more.
I quickly realised what a treasure I’d found in this author. She combined all my favourite reading requirements - accurately researched and superbly presented historical detail, compelling and beautifully crafted love stories, with unforgettable characters - my marker for how much I have enjoyed a book. My initial feelings at finding a new and exciting author to follow haven’t waned and every new book Ms. Riley publishes is an auto-buy for me.
I admit I knew very little about this turbulent ten year period in the history of my country, other than King Charles I lost his head after skirmishes and battles between his supporters, the Cavaliers, and Parliament’s supporters, the Roundheads. A very simplified way of explaining it, but that was, much to my own disgust, the gist of what I knew before becoming enthralled with Stella Riley’s writing. I have since read and thoroughly enjoyed my way through the English Civil Wars, with Stella Riley teaching me what I should have learnt many years ago. The whole series is totally absorbing, entertaining, informative, fascinating and addictive, and I’ve read every book at least twice (there are two stand-alone books and four books in the series).
Garland of Straw covers the period immediately up to and including the trial and execution of King Charles I and is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. Stella Riley shows us, through her superbly researched historical scholarship and, for absolute clarity, her reference to the actual transcript of Charles’s trial, that these were real and emotional events; the utter rawness of such an inconceivable act becoming diminished by the ensuing years.
The fictional backstory is cleverly intertwined with the appalling but intriguing historical events. At this time, many families were split by their loyalties and this is one such story. Gabriel Brandon, a much respected colonel in the New Model Army (aka Roundheads), has always been a soldier and has sold his sword as a mercenary since his career as a soldier began in boyhood. His decision to fight on the side of Parliament is for no other reason than he is a man of honour who believes in fairness - politics have little influence on his life and he certainly has no wish to see the King tried and executed. Ultimately, he only wants to see the differences between King and Parliament resolved and his country at peace again. By the time he meets the beautiful royalist, Venetia Clifford, Gabriel has already become disillusioned, and especially by the actions of Cromwell and his Roundheads at Basing House in 1645, which horrifying events are described in detail at the end of the first book in the series, The Black Madonna (R&C, #1).
Gabriel is the elder and natural son of Robert Brandon and has become the unwilling recipient of Brandon Lacey, bequeathed to him by his father. Robert has died, and controversially, left his estate to Gabriel instead of his legitimate, younger son, Ellis, who is loyal to the king. Robert Brandon and his neighbours, the Cliffords of Ford Edge, have always been friends and this has never changed, even though their loyalties had diverged by the time the civil wars began. Robert had even taken steps to help the Clifford estate avoid becoming the subject of sequestration but his altruistic action doesn’t work out well for Ellis and Venetia who have been betrothed for years. Robert has apparently always had other ideas, and has had his will cleverly and irrevocably drawn up to make any marriage between them impossible. Per the terms of the will, it is now Gabriel and Venetia who must marry, and Robert has tied their hands so effectively that it seems they have little choice. If the marriage doesn’t take place, neither can escape their responsibilities; Gabriel cannot dispose of Brandon Lacey and worse still, must also take on the full financial and running responsibilities of Ford Edge and its dependents. Venetia’s elder brother, Harry, holds the key to their freedom, for if he returns to England and swears loyalty to Parliament, Ford Edge will revert to him. However, Venetia discovers that Harry has other plans which do not include Ford Edge. Finally, after six fruitless months, Robert Brandon has his way from beyond the grave and the two enter into a marriage abhorrent to both.
Gabriel has been raised by a much loved foster family and is not ashamed of his birth. However, his illegitimacy is just one more stick Venetia has to beat him with; coupled with his political affiliations which are highlighted by the despised buff uniform and tawny sash, Gabriel’s in for a rocky road.
In the early stages I found Venetia quite hard and shrewish, although to be fair she had just cause, but still, I really hated the manner in which she treated Gabriel. He, on the other hand, remains dignified and honourable throughout, although no pushover. He’s an instantly likeable character and is probably the best loved of all the author’s characters. I must admit to being just a little under his spell myself, but then I’m always the same with her male characters because they’re always utterly delicious but slightly flawed. It’s how she develops her characters and so depending on which one of her books I’m reading at the time, the MC is usually my favourite. I’m glad to say that Venetia well and truly redeems herself by the end of the story because in all aspects of her life other than in her early interactions with Gideon, she is hardworking and uncomplaining.
At the beginning of the marriage, Gabriel appears to have a mammoth task on his hands; he’s still a serving officer in the New Model army, someone has been making random attempts on his life, his wife despises him and, to top it off, just before his forced marriage, he discovers that the once thriving estate of Brandon Lacey has been almost bankrupted by his father to the Parliament’s cause. As they begin their uneasy relationship, the couple do have at least one thing in common, they care deeply for the estate and the people who depend on it. Gabriel is no farmer but he’s a smart man, tactics and organisation have long been a part of his life. He comes up with quite a radical plan that he hopes will save the estate and the livelihoods of his tenants. One which not only ploughs profits directly back into the estate but also into the pockets of his people, instead of the third parties who are presently benefiting. Initially Venetia is sceptical, nevertheless, she throws her energy behind it; one of the aspects I particularly like about her character is her no-nonsense approach. She’s been used to running everything at Ford Edge while her father and brothers have been away fighting for the King. Now, with only one brother left, and he in Europe, she has had the entire responsibility of the Clifford estate, her rather needy mother, and two younger sisters to deal with. So at least Gabriel has her garnered farming knowledge, if nothing else.
Fans of Ms. Riley’s popular Georgian Historical romance series will know that Gabriel’s original idea was very successful. Ms. Riley cleverly linked all three series together by using A Trick of Fate (Brandon Brothers, #1) to connect them all. The brothers are directly descended from Gabriel and Venetia and we can therefore see how very successful Gabriel’s initial idea was. Max Brandon, the MC of the new series is able to help struggling farmers with his great-great-grandfather’s innovative ideas. By Georgian times, the Brandons have well and truly recovered from the civil wars and are wealthy gentlemen farmers and horse breeders. Kudos to Stella Riley for this genius idea which came straight out of her clever, fertile imagination. I dislike having to say goodbye to favourite characters and so I’m a great fan of series being linked. To be able to witness Gabriel and Venetia‘s successes, and also that of their descendants, is really quite special.
The developing relationship between Venetia and Gabriel is very much baby steps to begin with - no insta-lust here (and in any case, that’s not the author’s style - ever). Her romances are generally slow-burn with a hard won HEA which, especially in this case, is plausible given the circumstances. It takes Venetia a long time to overcome her distaste of being married to a man she considers to be her enemy. Reluctant respect creeps in one night as she tends to his wounds after an unprovoked attack on his person. Inevitably the close proximity encourages a more normal conversation between them. As Venetia works and really listens for the first time, Gabriel’s decency and integrity begins to work its magic. It’s still slow going and, later on in the story, help comes from an unlikely quarter. Wat Larkin, has had Gabriel’s back since he was a young soldier and his loyalty to his friend is such that he would willingly give his life for him if necessary. Wat’s trust and respect is hard won so the fact that he and Venetia become allies in protecting Gabriel against his unknown enemy is a huge step forward in the eventual success of the couple’s marriage. Of course, when the scales finally fall from Venetia‘s eyes, she really sees him, not the uniform, but the man his father saw, with all the honour and strength of character his half brother, Ellis, lacks.
This is a much loved series, the characters, both fictional and non fictional, introduced throughout each book, quickly became very real to me. My personal favourites are the Maxwells, the fictional family in The Black Madonna (R&C, #1). I have a particularly soft spot for Eden who was so badly treated by his wife in that book. By now he has been promoted to major and, as Gabriel’s second-in-command, is in evidence quite a lot. There are many of my favourites, far too numerous to mention, who re-appear; some have had, or get their own stories later on, and there are some who figure largely as secondary characters. Stella Riley doesn’t stint on her secondaries, they’re all fully developed with compelling lives and intriguing back stories of their own, and many, such as Sam Radford, are almost as popular as the MC’s. Sam’s connection to the charismatic Justin Ambrose (A Splendid Defiance) can’t hurt his popularity and it was lovely to see Justin and his wife, Sam’s sister, Abigail, make an appearance, and to see how their lives have played out.
Alex Wyndham is the voice of Stella Riley’s characters. He has narrated all the books in her two Georgian series and is at present working his way through R&C. Since he narrated The Parfit Knight (Rockliffe, #1) some four years ago, I have noticed a change in his voice (mainly because I re-listen to Ms. Riley’s books frequently). Recently there’s been a new huskier quality to it, or maybe it’s simply maturity. He still has the rich timbre to his voice that he’s always had and is recognised for, but now, the added maturity, if that’s what it is, is especially effective in the performing of this exciting, epic historical saga. His handling of the author’s large cast of multi-faceted characters is done with great professionalism, and I applaud him because this is a highly complex and emotional story, both fictionally and non fictionally. Each character is clearly defined and recognisable, especially when in multi character situations such as Parliament sitting. The trial, judgement and public execution of Charles I, told by the author in Garland of Straw is a stunning piece of writing, and Wyndham’s perfect delivery of her words only adds to the tense and surreal atmosphere which had me on the edge of my seat even though I know what happened... that Charles Stuart, King of England and Scotland, was publicly executed in front of a crowd of his subjects. His words, spoken with quiet dignity....’I am a martyr of the people’...recorded for posterity.
Shocked and sickened after watching the execution of her king, Venetia is then thrown immediately into the midst of her own terrifying, living nightmare. As the story hurtles onwards, gathering momentum, and builds to its climax, we discover who Gabriel’s would-be silent assassin is.
Garland of Straw is my favourite kind of book - one that can, and needs to be read, or listened to, over and over again; there’s always more to be discovered on each re-visiting of it. The author’s decision to have this book recorded was very exciting news for her fans, and Alex Wyndham’s versatile and impressive performance has added another dimension to an already stunning and powerful story. Very highly recommended.
Stella Riley only became known to me five years ago when a respected reviewer friend recommended her books on Goodreads. I was intrigued and chose The Marigold Chain for my first read, based purely on the title (I am always attracted by classy titles and covers and this author has both). TMC is a standalone story set during the restoration period and it was fabulous enough to make me want to read more.
I quickly realised what a treasure I’d found in this author. She combined all my favourite reading requirements - accurately researched and superbly presented historical detail, compelling and beautifully crafted love stories, with unforgettable characters - my marker for how much I have enjoyed a book. My initial feelings at finding a new and exciting author to follow haven’t waned and every new book Ms. Riley publishes is an auto-buy for me.
I admit I knew very little about this turbulent ten year period in the history of my country, other than King Charles I lost his head after skirmishes and battles between his supporters, the Cavaliers, and Parliament’s supporters, the Roundheads. A very simplified way of explaining it, but that was, much to my own disgust, the gist of what I knew before becoming enthralled with Stella Riley’s writing. I have since read and thoroughly enjoyed my way through the English Civil Wars, with Stella Riley teaching me what I should have learnt many years ago. The whole series is totally absorbing, entertaining, informative, fascinating and addictive, and I’ve read every book at least twice (there are two stand-alone books and four books in the series).
Garland of Straw covers the period immediately up to and including the trial and execution of King Charles I and is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. Stella Riley shows us, through her superbly researched historical scholarship and, for absolute clarity, her reference to the actual transcript of Charles’s trial, that these were real and emotional events; the utter rawness of such an inconceivable act becoming diminished by the ensuing years.
The fictional backstory is cleverly intertwined with the appalling but intriguing historical events. At this time, many families were split by their loyalties and this is one such story. Gabriel Brandon, a much respected colonel in the New Model Army (aka Roundheads), has always been a soldier and has sold his sword as a mercenary since his career as a soldier began in boyhood. His decision to fight on the side of Parliament is for no other reason than he is a man of honour who believes in fairness - politics have little influence on his life and he certainly has no wish to see the King tried and executed. Ultimately, he only wants to see the differences between King and Parliament resolved and his country at peace again. By the time he meets the beautiful royalist, Venetia Clifford, Gabriel has already become disillusioned, and especially by the actions of Cromwell and his Roundheads at Basing House in 1645, which horrifying events are described in detail at the end of the first book in the series, The Black Madonna (R&C, #1).
Gabriel is the elder and natural son of Robert Brandon and has become the unwilling recipient of Brandon Lacey, bequeathed to him by his father. Robert has died, and controversially, left his estate to Gabriel instead of his legitimate, younger son, Ellis, who is loyal to the king. Robert Brandon and his neighbours, the Cliffords of Ford Edge, have always been friends and this has never changed, even though their loyalties had diverged by the time the civil wars began. Robert had even taken steps to help the Clifford estate avoid becoming the subject of sequestration but his altruistic action doesn’t work out well for Ellis and Venetia who have been betrothed for years. Robert has apparently always had other ideas, and has had his will cleverly and irrevocably drawn up to make any marriage between them impossible. Per the terms of the will, it is now Gabriel and Venetia who must marry, and Robert has tied their hands so effectively that it seems they have little choice. If the marriage doesn’t take place, neither can escape their responsibilities; Gabriel cannot dispose of Brandon Lacey and worse still, must also take on the full financial and running responsibilities of Ford Edge and its dependents. Venetia’s elder brother, Harry, holds the key to their freedom, for if he returns to England and swears loyalty to Parliament, Ford Edge will revert to him. However, Venetia discovers that Harry has other plans which do not include Ford Edge. Finally, after six fruitless months, Robert Brandon has his way from beyond the grave and the two enter into a marriage abhorrent to both.
Gabriel has been raised by a much loved foster family and is not ashamed of his birth. However, his illegitimacy is just one more stick Venetia has to beat him with; coupled with his political affiliations which are highlighted by the despised buff uniform and tawny sash, Gabriel’s in for a rocky road.
In the early stages I found Venetia quite hard and shrewish, although to be fair she had just cause, but still, I really hated the manner in which she treated Gabriel. He, on the other hand, remains dignified and honourable throughout, although no pushover. He’s an instantly likeable character and is probably the best loved of all the author’s characters. I must admit to being just a little under his spell myself, but then I’m always the same with her male characters because they’re always utterly delicious but slightly flawed. It’s how she develops her characters and so depending on which one of her books I’m reading at the time, the MC is usually my favourite. I’m glad to say that Venetia well and truly redeems herself by the end of the story because in all aspects of her life other than in her early interactions with Gideon, she is hardworking and uncomplaining.
At the beginning of the marriage, Gabriel appears to have a mammoth task on his hands; he’s still a serving officer in the New Model army, someone has been making random attempts on his life, his wife despises him and, to top it off, just before his forced marriage, he discovers that the once thriving estate of Brandon Lacey has been almost bankrupted by his father to the Parliament’s cause. As they begin their uneasy relationship, the couple do have at least one thing in common, they care deeply for the estate and the people who depend on it. Gabriel is no farmer but he’s a smart man, tactics and organisation have long been a part of his life. He comes up with quite a radical plan that he hopes will save the estate and the livelihoods of his tenants. One which not only ploughs profits directly back into the estate but also into the pockets of his people, instead of the third parties who are presently benefiting. Initially Venetia is sceptical, nevertheless, she throws her energy behind it; one of the aspects I particularly like about her character is her no-nonsense approach. She’s been used to running everything at Ford Edge while her father and brothers have been away fighting for the King. Now, with only one brother left, and he in Europe, she has had the entire responsibility of the Clifford estate, her rather needy mother, and two younger sisters to deal with. So at least Gabriel has her garnered farming knowledge, if nothing else.
Fans of Ms. Riley’s popular Georgian Historical romance series will know that Gabriel’s original idea was very successful. Ms. Riley cleverly linked all three series together by using A Trick of Fate (Brandon Brothers, #1) to connect them all. The brothers are directly descended from Gabriel and Venetia and we can therefore see how very successful Gabriel’s initial idea was. Max Brandon, the MC of the new series is able to help struggling farmers with his great-great-grandfather’s innovative ideas. By Georgian times, the Brandons have well and truly recovered from the civil wars and are wealthy gentlemen farmers and horse breeders. Kudos to Stella Riley for this genius idea which came straight out of her clever, fertile imagination. I dislike having to say goodbye to favourite characters and so I’m a great fan of series being linked. To be able to witness Gabriel and Venetia‘s successes, and also that of their descendants, is really quite special.
The developing relationship between Venetia and Gabriel is very much baby steps to begin with - no insta-lust here (and in any case, that’s not the author’s style - ever). Her romances are generally slow-burn with a hard won HEA which, especially in this case, is plausible given the circumstances. It takes Venetia a long time to overcome her distaste of being married to a man she considers to be her enemy. Reluctant respect creeps in one night as she tends to his wounds after an unprovoked attack on his person. Inevitably the close proximity encourages a more normal conversation between them. As Venetia works and really listens for the first time, Gabriel’s decency and integrity begins to work its magic. It’s still slow going and, later on in the story, help comes from an unlikely quarter. Wat Larkin, has had Gabriel’s back since he was a young soldier and his loyalty to his friend is such that he would willingly give his life for him if necessary. Wat’s trust and respect is hard won so the fact that he and Venetia become allies in protecting Gabriel against his unknown enemy is a huge step forward in the eventual success of the couple’s marriage. Of course, when the scales finally fall from Venetia‘s eyes, she really sees him, not the uniform, but the man his father saw, with all the honour and strength of character his half brother, Ellis, lacks.
This is a much loved series, the characters, both fictional and non fictional, introduced throughout each book, quickly became very real to me. My personal favourites are the Maxwells, the fictional family in The Black Madonna (R&C, #1). I have a particularly soft spot for Eden who was so badly treated by his wife in that book. By now he has been promoted to major and, as Gabriel’s second-in-command, is in evidence quite a lot. There are many of my favourites, far too numerous to mention, who re-appear; some have had, or get their own stories later on, and there are some who figure largely as secondary characters. Stella Riley doesn’t stint on her secondaries, they’re all fully developed with compelling lives and intriguing back stories of their own, and many, such as Sam Radford, are almost as popular as the MC’s. Sam’s connection to the charismatic Justin Ambrose (A Splendid Defiance) can’t hurt his popularity and it was lovely to see Justin and his wife, Sam’s sister, Abigail, make an appearance, and to see how their lives have played out.
Alex Wyndham is the voice of Stella Riley’s characters. He has narrated all the books in her two Georgian series and is at present working his way through R&C. Since he narrated The Parfit Knight (Rockliffe, #1) some four years ago, I have noticed a change in his voice (mainly because I re-listen to Ms. Riley’s books frequently). Recently there’s been a new huskier quality to it, or maybe it’s simply maturity. He still has the rich timbre to his voice that he’s always had and is recognised for, but now, the added maturity, if that’s what it is, is especially effective in the performing of this exciting, epic historical saga. His handling of the author’s large cast of multi-faceted characters is done with great professionalism, and I applaud him because this is a highly complex and emotional story, both fictionally and non fictionally. Each character is clearly defined and recognisable, especially when in multi character situations such as Parliament sitting. The trial, judgement and public execution of Charles I, told by the author in Garland of Straw is a stunning piece of writing, and Wyndham’s perfect delivery of her words only adds to the tense and surreal atmosphere which had me on the edge of my seat even though I know what happened... that Charles Stuart, King of England and Scotland, was publicly executed in front of a crowd of his subjects. His words, spoken with quiet dignity....’I am a martyr of the people’...recorded for posterity.
Shocked and sickened after watching the execution of her king, Venetia is then thrown immediately into the midst of her own terrifying, living nightmare. As the story hurtles onwards, gathering momentum, and builds to its climax, we discover who Gabriel’s would-be silent assassin is.
Garland of Straw is my favourite kind of book - one that can, and needs to be read, or listened to, over and over again; there’s always more to be discovered on each re-visiting of it. The author’s decision to have this book recorded was very exciting news for her fans, and Alex Wyndham’s versatile and impressive performance has added another dimension to an already stunning and powerful story. Very highly recommended.
August 29, 2025
Kindle told me I bought this book in 2019. I am outraged that it took me 6 years to read it!
I know what a great writer Stella Riley is but I also read Black Madonna, the first is Roundheads Cavaliers series, and am aware how chunky and complicated these stories are …
Garland of Straw is a story of Venetia and Gabriel.
They are true enemies to lovers, she is a devout Royalist and also a snob and he a colonel in New Model Army and illegitimate son. I could not foresee a path that would bring these two together but when it started to happen, I could not put the book down. It was one of the best, sweetest, most tantalizing stories. Gabriel is a hero superior to all. Chef’s kiss.
The story is told during a year or 2 leading up to Charles I execution and includes his trial and execution itself which was presented in truly touching and humane way.
There are many other political events that are part of the story but I’ve learned from Splendid Defiance that I won’t miss much if I skip those descriptions. Speaking of Splendid Defiance, Justin and Abby make guest appearance in this book as well as Kate from Black Madonna.
Now if the book ended 80 % in with a sweet epilogue, I would be perfectly happy.
Unfortunately, 2 mysteries had to be solved and I was not a fan of their resolution even though I was expecting it.
Before reading the end, I was lining up next two books in the series for my next read before the summer ends. But now I am not so sure.
Overall verdict: 4.5 excellent stars rounded to 5.
Even for its faults, million details and characters; the writing is excellent and I am left with a sweet feeling about the story.
Gabriel. Gabriel … with his level brows and storm-grey, black lashed eyes; the strong, clear lines of cheek and jaw … the thick, silky dark hair … and his spectacular, unforgettable physique. Venetia stared at him as though she’d never seen him before. A sensation of melting heat flooded her body and her lungs seemed to malfunction. Feelings she’d never known before but instantly recognised threatened to overwhelm her and brought a tide of colour to her cheeks. Then his eyes met hers and she found herself unable to look away.
I know what a great writer Stella Riley is but I also read Black Madonna, the first is Roundheads Cavaliers series, and am aware how chunky and complicated these stories are …
Garland of Straw is a story of Venetia and Gabriel.
They are true enemies to lovers, she is a devout Royalist and also a snob and he a colonel in New Model Army and illegitimate son. I could not foresee a path that would bring these two together but when it started to happen, I could not put the book down. It was one of the best, sweetest, most tantalizing stories. Gabriel is a hero superior to all. Chef’s kiss.
The story is told during a year or 2 leading up to Charles I execution and includes his trial and execution itself which was presented in truly touching and humane way.
There are many other political events that are part of the story but I’ve learned from Splendid Defiance that I won’t miss much if I skip those descriptions. Speaking of Splendid Defiance, Justin and Abby make guest appearance in this book as well as Kate from Black Madonna.
Now if the book ended 80 % in with a sweet epilogue, I would be perfectly happy.
Unfortunately, 2 mysteries had to be solved and I was not a fan of their resolution even though I was expecting it.
Before reading the end, I was lining up next two books in the series for my next read before the summer ends. But now I am not so sure.
Overall verdict: 4.5 excellent stars rounded to 5.
Even for its faults, million details and characters; the writing is excellent and I am left with a sweet feeling about the story.
Gabriel. Gabriel … with his level brows and storm-grey, black lashed eyes; the strong, clear lines of cheek and jaw … the thick, silky dark hair … and his spectacular, unforgettable physique. Venetia stared at him as though she’d never seen him before. A sensation of melting heat flooded her body and her lungs seemed to malfunction. Feelings she’d never known before but instantly recognised threatened to overwhelm her and brought a tide of colour to her cheeks. Then his eyes met hers and she found herself unable to look away.
July 6, 2020
In this second entry in her Roundheads and Cavaliers series, set during the English Civil Wars, author Stella Riley turns to the story of Venetia Clifford, a minor character in the first book,
The Black Madonna
. Opening in 1647, in the Interbellum period between the First English Civil War (1642-46) and the Second (1648-49), the book centers upon the marriage of Venetia to Roundhead Colonel Gabriel Brandon, the illegitimate half-brother of her long-time fiancé, Ellis Brandon. Repugnant to both parties, the marriage comes about through the complicated will left by Col. Brandon's father, and Venetia consents only in order to save her own family's estate, and secure her mother and sisters' welfare. Gabriel, for his part, is motivated by a sense of duty. As their tense marriage develops, Gabriel and Venetia are caught up in the historical events around them, as the brief second civil war breaks out, and then the king himself is brought to trial. Ellis surfaces, proving through his many selfish and cruel actions that he isn't the man Venetia thought him, and the newly wedded couple must also contend with a shadowy figure intent on assassinating Gabriel...
Originally published in 1993, and then revised and updated in 2013, Garland of Straw is a book that I expected to enjoy every bit as much as its predecessor, and with one notable exception, it did not disappoint. Stella Riley does an excellent job capturing the complicated drama of her historical setting - the heartbreak of a country at war with itself, of families with members on both sides, of individuals who believe in their own cause, only to become all-too-aware that it has gone awry. The history was fascinating, and I came away, much as I did with the first book, with the thought that I should read more non-fiction about the English Civil Wars in general, and about that amazing thinker John Lilburne (Free-Born John) in particular. The best historical fiction makes the reader more aware of and interested in history, and Riley has certainly done that here! It was also a pleasure to meet characters from the author's previous books, from Eden Maxwell and his family - we even get some scenes with Kate and Luciano, back in England for Tabitha's wedding! - to Justin and Abigail, from A Splendid Defiance .
Unfortunately, despite all of these undoubted virtues, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the story overall, I was completely put off by the handling of the rape scene in the story. I began the story disliking Venetia for her snobbery toward Gabriel, and for her failure to act in a way she herself would define as honorable, by informing him of her previous liaisons with Ellis. Then, midway through the book, when Gabriel gets the wrong idea, and forces her to have sex, very much against her will, my dislike swung the other way. It's not that this development felt unnatural, in the context of the story, and given the social mores of the day surrounding sexuality and marriage (the man's 'right' to his wife's body), but the scene was written in such a way that it is incontrovertibly non-consensual, and deeply hurtful, if not physically, then spiritually. So it is that when Venetia realizes she loves Gabriel, and therefore concludes that it was not rape, and that he has nothing to apologize for, I was aghast. I can accept such a change (or development) of feeling, and I can accept forgiveness (on both sides), but the willful denial of reality just left me appalled, and the lack of honest resolution, or some kind of real expiation on Gabriel's part, deeply unsatisfied. I couldn't read any of the subsequent sex scenes without cringing, even though they were all consensual.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this one element ruined the story for me. I did enjoy reading it, and plan to continue with the series, in order to find out what happens to the various characters. But it certainly made the romantic aspects of the tale far less romantic for me! Recommended, with caveat, to readers who enjoyed The Black Madonna .
Originally published in 1993, and then revised and updated in 2013, Garland of Straw is a book that I expected to enjoy every bit as much as its predecessor, and with one notable exception, it did not disappoint. Stella Riley does an excellent job capturing the complicated drama of her historical setting - the heartbreak of a country at war with itself, of families with members on both sides, of individuals who believe in their own cause, only to become all-too-aware that it has gone awry. The history was fascinating, and I came away, much as I did with the first book, with the thought that I should read more non-fiction about the English Civil Wars in general, and about that amazing thinker John Lilburne (Free-Born John) in particular. The best historical fiction makes the reader more aware of and interested in history, and Riley has certainly done that here! It was also a pleasure to meet characters from the author's previous books, from Eden Maxwell and his family - we even get some scenes with Kate and Luciano, back in England for Tabitha's wedding! - to Justin and Abigail, from A Splendid Defiance .
Unfortunately, despite all of these undoubted virtues, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the story overall, I was completely put off by the handling of the rape scene in the story. I began the story disliking Venetia for her snobbery toward Gabriel, and for her failure to act in a way she herself would define as honorable, by informing him of her previous liaisons with Ellis. Then, midway through the book, when Gabriel gets the wrong idea, and forces her to have sex, very much against her will, my dislike swung the other way. It's not that this development felt unnatural, in the context of the story, and given the social mores of the day surrounding sexuality and marriage (the man's 'right' to his wife's body), but the scene was written in such a way that it is incontrovertibly non-consensual, and deeply hurtful, if not physically, then spiritually. So it is that when Venetia realizes she loves Gabriel, and therefore concludes that it was not rape, and that he has nothing to apologize for, I was aghast. I can accept such a change (or development) of feeling, and I can accept forgiveness (on both sides), but the willful denial of reality just left me appalled, and the lack of honest resolution, or some kind of real expiation on Gabriel's part, deeply unsatisfied. I couldn't read any of the subsequent sex scenes without cringing, even though they were all consensual.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this one element ruined the story for me. I did enjoy reading it, and plan to continue with the series, in order to find out what happens to the various characters. But it certainly made the romantic aspects of the tale far less romantic for me! Recommended, with caveat, to readers who enjoyed The Black Madonna .
January 28, 2018
This is one of my favorites in Riley's Roundheads and Cavaliers series. Heroine Venetia, a loyal Royalist, has been betrothed to Ellis Brandon for five years. Ellis is the legitimate son and heir of landowner Robert Brandon. Robert has been so disillusioned by Ellis that, upon dying, leaves properties to his illegitimate soldier son, our hero Gabriel, with sneaky provisions that leave Venetia and Gabriel no recourse but to marry.
Oh, no. This is not going to be pretty. It's hate at first sight. She supports King Charles I. He's a Roundhead soldier. She's a bit of a snob. He's illegitimate, raised by a family in trade. She has beautiful amethyst eyes. He has steely gray ones. (Sorry. I just had to put that one in. Since Riley chooses to remind us of this so many times, I assumed it's important to the story?) She behaves horribly to him. He responds with disdain and indifference.
And this mutual dislike is not going to be resolved with kisses and sex. There will be no consummation. Her behavior is so horrible that he's not even attracted to her physically. Well, at least not at first. We will have a gradual detente, with, of course, the occasional misunderstanding to keep them from getting too cozy with each other.
The love story alone is better than most HRs I usually read. But there's much more to this book. It's meaty. Full of the King v Parliament standoff. (We're in the second civil war as this book begins, in the late 1640s, and it ends in 1649 with Charles' beheading.) Although this history component is at times TMI for my shallow brain, Riley manages to make it much more interesting than history books do because she places her characters, some beloved by the reader, some hated, into the real situations, struggles and battles.
And as if the love story and history weren't enough, we get a mystery. Somebody is trying to kill Gabriel, with several varied attempts on his life. Is it Ellis, resentful that Gabriel is the heir and now Venetia's husband also?
This is a very good story by a very good writer. I couldn't give it 5 stars because sometimes I was too impatient with the historical details and couldn't wait for those sections to end to get back to Gabriel and Venetia. (I told you I was shallow, didn't I?) BTW, if you've read The Black Madonna (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 1), Riley's first book in her Roundheads and Cavaliers series, you'll enjoy revisiting characters from that book, in particular Eden Maxwell, troubled Roundhead soldier whose Royalist wife was an unfaithful sl*t.
Oh, no. This is not going to be pretty. It's hate at first sight. She supports King Charles I. He's a Roundhead soldier. She's a bit of a snob. He's illegitimate, raised by a family in trade. She has beautiful amethyst eyes. He has steely gray ones. (Sorry. I just had to put that one in. Since Riley chooses to remind us of this so many times, I assumed it's important to the story?) She behaves horribly to him. He responds with disdain and indifference.
And this mutual dislike is not going to be resolved with kisses and sex. There will be no consummation. Her behavior is so horrible that he's not even attracted to her physically. Well, at least not at first. We will have a gradual detente, with, of course, the occasional misunderstanding to keep them from getting too cozy with each other.
The love story alone is better than most HRs I usually read. But there's much more to this book. It's meaty. Full of the King v Parliament standoff. (We're in the second civil war as this book begins, in the late 1640s, and it ends in 1649 with Charles' beheading.) Although this history component is at times TMI for my shallow brain, Riley manages to make it much more interesting than history books do because she places her characters, some beloved by the reader, some hated, into the real situations, struggles and battles.
And as if the love story and history weren't enough, we get a mystery. Somebody is trying to kill Gabriel, with several varied attempts on his life. Is it Ellis, resentful that Gabriel is the heir and now Venetia's husband also?
This is a very good story by a very good writer. I couldn't give it 5 stars because sometimes I was too impatient with the historical details and couldn't wait for those sections to end to get back to Gabriel and Venetia. (I told you I was shallow, didn't I?) BTW, if you've read The Black Madonna (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 1), Riley's first book in her Roundheads and Cavaliers series, you'll enjoy revisiting characters from that book, in particular Eden Maxwell, troubled Roundhead soldier whose Royalist wife was an unfaithful sl*t.
December 17, 2020
Well this one had me riveted until the very end. It was a bit lengthy, but with fascinating historical events, there is often more time needed to provide the backdrop. Stella Riley has a fantastic way of bringing the events to life. Her story-spinning skills are just brilliant. This is an enemies-to-lovers historical romance. And I hope to see more ahead in this series.
Listened on audio. And as usual, Alex Wyndham did a fabulous job with the narration.
December 12, 2009
It's 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. 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 quite redundant. The overuse of the expression "quite", as well as Gabriel's upraised "sardonic brow" and Venetia's "amethyst eyes" got a bit tiresome after awhile. I'm fairly certain there was a least one book preceding this one (I'm guessing The 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 A Splendid Defiance. Wish I'd know 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.
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 quite redundant. The overuse of the expression "quite", as well as Gabriel's upraised "sardonic brow" and Venetia's "amethyst eyes" got a bit tiresome after awhile. I'm fairly certain there was a least one book preceding this one (I'm guessing The 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 A Splendid Defiance. Wish I'd know 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.
December 26, 2021
Re-read (but audio version w/Alex Wyndham) Nov 2021. Keeping orig 4.5 *. Gabriel is my favorite Brandon, try as his great, great...grandsons try to out do him, they don't quite compete IMO.
4.5 wonderful stars. Many others have already described the story of Gabriel and Venetia much better than I can. However, I would just add that this is yet another example of Stella Riley's wonderful way of weaving history into a historical romance. I also loved the glimpses of past characters such as Kate & Luciano from
and a more prevalent presence of Eden from that same book. Also, it was nice to catch up with Justin and Abby from
which is also from this time period but Stella does not label it as a book from the Civil War Series...not sure why though.
Gabriel was a wonderful hero and although it took a while for Venetia to come around, she too became a character that I liked.
Highly recommend this series...
4.5 wonderful stars. Many others have already described the story of Gabriel and Venetia much better than I can. However, I would just add that this is yet another example of Stella Riley's wonderful way of weaving history into a historical romance. I also loved the glimpses of past characters such as Kate & Luciano from
and a more prevalent presence of Eden from that same book. Also, it was nice to catch up with Justin and Abby from
which is also from this time period but Stella does not label it as a book from the Civil War Series...not sure why though. Gabriel was a wonderful hero and although it took a while for Venetia to come around, she too became a character that I liked.
Highly recommend this series...
October 12, 2020
Set against the turbulent events leading up to the trial and execution of Charles I (1648 to 1649), Garland of Straw is the second book in Stella Riley’s
Roundheads and Cavaliers
series. Once again, I was treated to an intelligently written and engrossing story which skilfully combines history, politics, intrigue, suspense, tragedy, and a stormy romance between a staunch Royalist lady and a Roundhead colonel.
I have loved everyone of Ms. Riley’s heroes, but Gabriel might just be my favourite. The illegitimate son of Sir Robert Brandon and raised by foster parents, I admire the way he has never let his illegitimacy define who he is. He has forged a career for himself as a professional soldier, fighting in various European wars before returning to England to join Cromwell’s New Model Army. He is an honourable and principled man and, although initially sympathetic towards the Parliamentary cause, witnessing the atrocities committed at Basing House has left him disillusioned. As events unfold, he is faced with some difficult, life-changing choices.
Venetia was a secondary character in The Black Madonna. As one of the Queen’s entourage, she enjoyed a carefree life at court. Engaged to Ellis Brandon, the man she loves, everything seemed perfect, but the war changed that. It claimed the lives of both her father and her eldest brother, while her other brother, Harry, and Ellis had gone into into exile. With no-one else in the family capable of running Ford Edge Manor, and keeping a roof over their heads, responsibility has fallen firmly on Venetia’s shoulders. I could understand how circumstances had led to Venetia becoming so hard and bitter, and how they coloured her initial attitude towards Gabriel.
Often I have read books where the hero and heroine dislike each other, but there is a strong, underlying attraction. This is certainly not the case with Gabriel and Venetia. From their first meeting at the reading of the will, their mutual animosity fairly drips off the page. However unpalatable, Gabriel and Venetia are forced to marry, and it promises to be a battle royal considering Venetia regards Gabriel as ‘a misbegotten bumpkin in an orange sash’ who is rude, callous and arrogant, while Gabriel sees Venetia as beautiful, but with ‘the tongue of a shrew, an expression that gives you frostbite and no manners worth mentioning.
Ms. Riley develops their relationship very slowly, which seemed realistic given the circumstances. The major change in their relationship comes when Venetia tends Gabriel after he is set upon and badly injured. They talk for the first time without the usual hostility and sarcasm and it was very satisfying to see respect, liking, trust and ultimately love steadily growing between them, even though there was a bump in the road, in the form of Ellis Brandon; but Venetia soon comes to see that Gabriel is ten times the man Ellis will ever be.
This was a very complex period in British history and I admire the way in which Ms. Riley seamlessly blends real-life events and personages with the lives of her fictional characters. The resulting realism it brings to the story made me truly care about the fate of these characters.
Bravo to Ms. Riley for keeping me clueless regarding the identity of the person responsible for the attempts on Gabriel’s life, until just before the harrowing climax.
There is a fascinating array of secondary characters, some familiar favourites and others new, including...
Walter (Wat) Larkin - Gabriel’s faithful servant and companion for 15 years, with ‘the nose of a bloodhound and the instincts of a ferret? ’
Eden Maxwell (The Black Madonna) - Gabriel’s Major, who is still trying to drown his personal problems in a bottle.
Ellis Brandon, Gabriel’s half brother and Venetia’s fiancé, who is selfish, arrogant and a liar when it serves his interests.
Phoebe Clifford - Venetia’s youngest sister, ever the optimist, who immediately befriends Gabriel much to her (Venetia’s) displeasure.
Jack Morrell - Gabriel’s foster brother who is more like a real brother to him
Francis Langley (The Black Madonna) - an elegant Royalist, who would prefer writing poetry to fighting.
Handsome Captain Ashley Peverell, alias the Falcon, a Royalist spy.
Having read and loved A Splendid Defiance, it was wonderful to catch up with Captain Justin Ambrose (now a Colonel), his wife Abigail, and her younger brother, Samuel (Sam) Radford. Justine strikes up an unlikely friendship with Gabriel, while there is a secondary romance between Sam and Jack Morrell’s niece, Bryony.
Ms. Riley still manages to incorporate some much welcome humour into the story. For instance, I love the hilarious scene where Venetia is smuggling Frances Langley past guards on the bridge and passing him off as her drunken husband. Phoebe’s enthusiastic search for the Lacey Garland also brought a smile to my face.
MY VERDICT: A meticulously researched and engrossing story with fascinating characters, and an emotionally satisfying romance. Highly recommended.
I have loved everyone of Ms. Riley’s heroes, but Gabriel might just be my favourite. The illegitimate son of Sir Robert Brandon and raised by foster parents, I admire the way he has never let his illegitimacy define who he is. He has forged a career for himself as a professional soldier, fighting in various European wars before returning to England to join Cromwell’s New Model Army. He is an honourable and principled man and, although initially sympathetic towards the Parliamentary cause, witnessing the atrocities committed at Basing House has left him disillusioned. As events unfold, he is faced with some difficult, life-changing choices.
Venetia was a secondary character in The Black Madonna. As one of the Queen’s entourage, she enjoyed a carefree life at court. Engaged to Ellis Brandon, the man she loves, everything seemed perfect, but the war changed that. It claimed the lives of both her father and her eldest brother, while her other brother, Harry, and Ellis had gone into into exile. With no-one else in the family capable of running Ford Edge Manor, and keeping a roof over their heads, responsibility has fallen firmly on Venetia’s shoulders. I could understand how circumstances had led to Venetia becoming so hard and bitter, and how they coloured her initial attitude towards Gabriel.
Often I have read books where the hero and heroine dislike each other, but there is a strong, underlying attraction. This is certainly not the case with Gabriel and Venetia. From their first meeting at the reading of the will, their mutual animosity fairly drips off the page. However unpalatable, Gabriel and Venetia are forced to marry, and it promises to be a battle royal considering Venetia regards Gabriel as ‘a misbegotten bumpkin in an orange sash’ who is rude, callous and arrogant, while Gabriel sees Venetia as beautiful, but with ‘the tongue of a shrew, an expression that gives you frostbite and no manners worth mentioning.
Ms. Riley develops their relationship very slowly, which seemed realistic given the circumstances. The major change in their relationship comes when Venetia tends Gabriel after he is set upon and badly injured. They talk for the first time without the usual hostility and sarcasm and it was very satisfying to see respect, liking, trust and ultimately love steadily growing between them, even though there was a bump in the road, in the form of Ellis Brandon; but Venetia soon comes to see that Gabriel is ten times the man Ellis will ever be.
This was a very complex period in British history and I admire the way in which Ms. Riley seamlessly blends real-life events and personages with the lives of her fictional characters. The resulting realism it brings to the story made me truly care about the fate of these characters.
Bravo to Ms. Riley for keeping me clueless regarding the identity of the person responsible for the attempts on Gabriel’s life, until just before the harrowing climax.
There is a fascinating array of secondary characters, some familiar favourites and others new, including...
Walter (Wat) Larkin - Gabriel’s faithful servant and companion for 15 years, with ‘the nose of a bloodhound and the instincts of a ferret? ’
Eden Maxwell (The Black Madonna) - Gabriel’s Major, who is still trying to drown his personal problems in a bottle.
Ellis Brandon, Gabriel’s half brother and Venetia’s fiancé, who is selfish, arrogant and a liar when it serves his interests.
Phoebe Clifford - Venetia’s youngest sister, ever the optimist, who immediately befriends Gabriel much to her (Venetia’s) displeasure.
Jack Morrell - Gabriel’s foster brother who is more like a real brother to him
Francis Langley (The Black Madonna) - an elegant Royalist, who would prefer writing poetry to fighting.
Handsome Captain Ashley Peverell, alias the Falcon, a Royalist spy.
Having read and loved A Splendid Defiance, it was wonderful to catch up with Captain Justin Ambrose (now a Colonel), his wife Abigail, and her younger brother, Samuel (Sam) Radford. Justine strikes up an unlikely friendship with Gabriel, while there is a secondary romance between Sam and Jack Morrell’s niece, Bryony.
Ms. Riley still manages to incorporate some much welcome humour into the story. For instance, I love the hilarious scene where Venetia is smuggling Frances Langley past guards on the bridge and passing him off as her drunken husband. Phoebe’s enthusiastic search for the Lacey Garland also brought a smile to my face.
MY VERDICT: A meticulously researched and engrossing story with fascinating characters, and an emotionally satisfying romance. Highly recommended.
March 14, 2021
This was an audiobook and wow it was a long one. It was worth every minute though. I could listen to the velvety voice of Alex Wyndham for forever. ❤️
Loved Gabriel. ❤️
Loved Venetia. ❤️
Fantastic secondary characters. ✔️
Intriguing story. ✔️
Engaging. ✔️
It had everything that I love about Stella Riley and her writing.
I highly recommend it.
Loved Gabriel. ❤️
Loved Venetia. ❤️
Fantastic secondary characters. ✔️
Intriguing story. ✔️
Engaging. ✔️
It had everything that I love about Stella Riley and her writing.
I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2023
I’m not sure if I got all the connections of other stories since it had been a while since reading others in this series. However, I really enjoyed this. It’s rich in detail and historical context. The characters are great. Definitely ones I could root for, and the villains were interesting.
November 3, 2022
I love all characters. Not only those met first in the previous part of the series but also those met first in A Splendid Defiance. I adored Justin Ambrose (he appeared in The Black Madonna too, but inhere there was more of him) and Samuel Radford. And of course, I can't wait to meet all of them again in the next books. They became my friends and I am happy, anxious, and sad with them. I hope, that all of them have HEA.
It is brilliant how Stella Riley created so similar (because all of them were a product of the same times and (more or less) circumstances), yet each one was one of the kind. E.g. Venetia - a charming, intelligent, practical, strong girl, and Gabriel - a perfectly reasonable, even-tempered man, they built so thick defense that they became sharp and angry. Sometimes it hurt to look at how they hurt each other senselessly. Then, there was Bryony’s metamorphosis - considering the love and political views - totally convincing. Sam's integrity. Jack's strong loyalty and love. Eden, Francis, Sophia, Phoebe, Wat. I could name many of them.
I was, again in the mess of political groups, changes, counsels, agreements, etc. And again, I was many times lost, but no matter. I prefer so than rather a too simplified version of history.
Then there was a kind of mystery, action, battles, fights, duels, next to everyday life's struggles, and happy, funny moments.
And a romance (or rather two). You can't call Stella Riley's novels - romances, because, I think, most fans of the genre aren't able to get trough the rest of the narration (perhaps I am unfair) - but when she writes love scenes... [sigh]
What should I add? When you start with Stella Riley you will love it and want to read all of her, or you will decide that there is too much history in her stories for your taste. [As for now I would recommend starting with 'A Splendid Defiance' (mostly because it is shorter) rather than the 'Roundheads and Cavaliers' series.]
PS What/who was really 'of straw' - I wonder...
It is brilliant how Stella Riley created so similar (because all of them were a product of the same times and (more or less) circumstances), yet each one was one of the kind. E.g. Venetia - a charming, intelligent, practical, strong girl, and Gabriel - a perfectly reasonable, even-tempered man, they built so thick defense that they became sharp and angry. Sometimes it hurt to look at how they hurt each other senselessly. Then, there was Bryony’s metamorphosis - considering the love and political views - totally convincing. Sam's integrity. Jack's strong loyalty and love. Eden, Francis, Sophia, Phoebe, Wat. I could name many of them.
And suddenly everything was back in the melting pot again
I was, again in the mess of political groups, changes, counsels, agreements, etc. And again, I was many times lost, but no matter. I prefer so than rather a too simplified version of history.
Then there was a kind of mystery, action, battles, fights, duels, next to everyday life's struggles, and happy, funny moments.
And a romance (or rather two). You can't call Stella Riley's novels - romances, because, I think, most fans of the genre aren't able to get trough the rest of the narration (perhaps I am unfair) - but when she writes love scenes... [sigh]
Slowly, almost tentatively, his right hand rose to stroke her cheek with the back of lightly-curled fingers which then spread to the curve of her neck, leaving the thumb poised beneath her chin
What should I add? When you start with Stella Riley you will love it and want to read all of her, or you will decide that there is too much history in her stories for your taste. [As for now I would recommend starting with 'A Splendid Defiance' (mostly because it is shorter) rather than the 'Roundheads and Cavaliers' series.]
PS What/who was really 'of straw' - I wonder...
February 19, 2019
So intense! I loved every single page (and there were 600 of them)!
Venetia has an intense personality and sometimes I was mad at her for not seeing what was right in front of her face, but obviously I had to remind myself that she didn’t know all I knew about Gabriel’s character and honor.
Gabriel is a great hero and a perfect match for strong willed and determined Venetia.
Is not easy to be married to someone in the opposite political side, mainly in the imminence of a war. Mrs. Riley developed their conflicts and the discovery of common ground beautifully.
Ellis turned out to be an interesting kind of villain and Isabel a good last minute twist. Wat was a favorite supporting character of mine too. But, my favorite bit, apart from the main plot, was to revisit my beloved Captain Ambrose (now a Colonel) and even have a glimpse of 6 months old pregnant Abby, the lovely protagonists of “A Splendid Defiance”.
What makes this book, as others in this series, very special is the historical background, the real battles and other historical events that transport you in time and into the terrible second Civil war between Roundheads and Cavaliers.
Venetia has an intense personality and sometimes I was mad at her for not seeing what was right in front of her face, but obviously I had to remind myself that she didn’t know all I knew about Gabriel’s character and honor.
Gabriel is a great hero and a perfect match for strong willed and determined Venetia.
Is not easy to be married to someone in the opposite political side, mainly in the imminence of a war. Mrs. Riley developed their conflicts and the discovery of common ground beautifully.
Ellis turned out to be an interesting kind of villain and Isabel a good last minute twist. Wat was a favorite supporting character of mine too. But, my favorite bit, apart from the main plot, was to revisit my beloved Captain Ambrose (now a Colonel) and even have a glimpse of 6 months old pregnant Abby, the lovely protagonists of “A Splendid Defiance”.
What makes this book, as others in this series, very special is the historical background, the real battles and other historical events that transport you in time and into the terrible second Civil war between Roundheads and Cavaliers.
February 4, 2019
I’m a historian. You’d think I would love this but I was both bored and confused. There was nowhere near enough romance compared with her Rockliffe series. The heroine was shrewish and say what you like the sex was rapey. She enjoyed it, but she didn’t want it and he was doing it to be cruel, not express tenderness. Physical response and consent are not the same thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2021
Very good maybe a 3.5..
More a historical novel with a smattering of romance.
Unfortunately not really a time period Im interested in. This is set during England’s 2nd civil war, still during the time of Cromwell. A lot of the story focused on the events surrounding the political climate of the time, when really all I wanted was a romance between the main characters 🙄
It was heavy going, so much history and narration of the events, when frankly I couldnt really care about Cromwell and his supporters, the levellers, their philosophy, or the different battles and skirmishes all taking place around the main characters. All the page count spent on this just dragged the story down for me. Its very well written and rich with historical details, the fault is wholly mine.
The bits of romance to be found within the story has a bickerfest going between the main couple for more than half the book. Their main conflict being that the Hero is a soldier for Cromwell while the heroine is a supporter of the crown. They are forced into a marrage of convenience because of a will, so its a hostile beginning for them.
The first glimmers of a romance happen a little past the 50% mark, but then oops it falls apart spectacularly and doesn’t resume until the 75% mark. The Hero truly is a HERO, he is a soldier, strong, principled, reasonable and good natured despite the treatment he gets from the heroine.
The heroine is living with deep bitterness and disappointment. Her fiancé has not married her despite their betrothal of 5 yrs, and upon the death of her “future” father in law, she loses her rights to her own property unless the illegitimate elder son (the Hero) marries her. I still think the Hero was honorable enough to make the best of the bad situation they both find themselves in, while she constantly snips at him.
The action of the story happens at the last 20% of the book. I felt bad for what the couple had to go through but by this time I believed in their feelings for each other. The heroine really did have to change her attitude towards the Hero and she finally sees the honorable man that he is.
There is a villain, who is trying to kill the Hero. I suspected the identity from early on. There is a very bad time for the couple, a tragedy, some revelations and a hard won happy ending for them.
Easily a 4 star except i just skimmed most of the historical details since i was not into it.
More a historical novel with a smattering of romance.
Unfortunately not really a time period Im interested in. This is set during England’s 2nd civil war, still during the time of Cromwell. A lot of the story focused on the events surrounding the political climate of the time, when really all I wanted was a romance between the main characters 🙄
It was heavy going, so much history and narration of the events, when frankly I couldnt really care about Cromwell and his supporters, the levellers, their philosophy, or the different battles and skirmishes all taking place around the main characters. All the page count spent on this just dragged the story down for me. Its very well written and rich with historical details, the fault is wholly mine.
The bits of romance to be found within the story has a bickerfest going between the main couple for more than half the book. Their main conflict being that the Hero is a soldier for Cromwell while the heroine is a supporter of the crown. They are forced into a marrage of convenience because of a will, so its a hostile beginning for them.
The first glimmers of a romance happen a little past the 50% mark, but then oops it falls apart spectacularly and doesn’t resume until the 75% mark. The Hero truly is a HERO, he is a soldier, strong, principled, reasonable and good natured despite the treatment he gets from the heroine.
The heroine is living with deep bitterness and disappointment. Her fiancé has not married her despite their betrothal of 5 yrs, and upon the death of her “future” father in law, she loses her rights to her own property unless the illegitimate elder son (the Hero) marries her. I still think the Hero was honorable enough to make the best of the bad situation they both find themselves in, while she constantly snips at him.
The action of the story happens at the last 20% of the book. I felt bad for what the couple had to go through but by this time I believed in their feelings for each other. The heroine really did have to change her attitude towards the Hero and she finally sees the honorable man that he is.
There is a villain, who is trying to kill the Hero. I suspected the identity from early on. There is a very bad time for the couple, a tragedy, some revelations and a hard won happy ending for them.
Easily a 4 star except i just skimmed most of the historical details since i was not into it.
November 9, 2020
Enjoyed this more than The Black Madonna — the romantic drama gets started earlier, the history wasn't quite so confusing, and the characters didn't all have to be introduced. This book has a couple of my favorite romantic tropes: Marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers. Venetia and Col. Brandon were both great, and it was fun to live in this world for a few hours.
Hope the other two in this series are released on audio!
Hope the other two in this series are released on audio!
March 2, 2025
3.5 stars
October 24, 2023
Id have said more 3.5 stars technically. i love stella riley and appreciate her writing and the amount of historical information included in these novels. However! In this one it was a LOT of history and felt a little dry after a certain point. The story was good though, so i enjoyed it. Just not as good as the Black Madonna.
November 30, 2013
This is a review of the 2013 Kindle edition
I am not a "professional" blogger and write very few reviews. However, I am so happy that Stella Riley's books are now easily available again and hopeful that new ones will follow, that I feel the need to add my five-penneth-worth of comment on one of my favourite historical-fiction books.
A very much needed and welcome re-release of a very under-rated and seriously good historical novel. It is still a very good book and well worth reading. A considerable amount of time has elapsed since its first publication and there has been some reworking of the material. That is doubtless understandable for a different age.
I am very fond of this book and it is set in one of my favourite periods of history. It is a period that until recently has received little attention from writers of historical novels. Unfortunately, recent fictional forays into this world have failed to grasp the complexities of the time by writers who have used the setting for just more of those so-called action-packed battle scenes with trite plots and one-dimensional characters. Those have ended up in my rubbish bin (by which I mean they have been passed hastily to my local charity shops).
This is not the case with Garland of Straw and whilst I appreciate that the writer's intention to make a complex background easier for the uninitiated reader, in doing so the historical exposition has become rather more heavy-handed. But if it allows the book to reach a wider audience than previously, then I guess that is justification. After all, the writer needs to reap some reward for all the care, time and effort expended in the creation, not least of which to encourage further novels in this series by an unusually highly talented writer in this genre.
I avidly await the next instalment in the series (King's Falcon) and recommend anyone following Stella Riley to read the excerpt now available on the web.
I just wish that the Putney debates had been let stand as in the original. But perhaps I am a little too familiar with the context and so super-sensitive to the nuances of such a crucial period in our history.
This book is a rewarding read and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I think if I were to read it again, I would go back to the original.
I am not a "professional" blogger and write very few reviews. However, I am so happy that Stella Riley's books are now easily available again and hopeful that new ones will follow, that I feel the need to add my five-penneth-worth of comment on one of my favourite historical-fiction books.
A very much needed and welcome re-release of a very under-rated and seriously good historical novel. It is still a very good book and well worth reading. A considerable amount of time has elapsed since its first publication and there has been some reworking of the material. That is doubtless understandable for a different age.
I am very fond of this book and it is set in one of my favourite periods of history. It is a period that until recently has received little attention from writers of historical novels. Unfortunately, recent fictional forays into this world have failed to grasp the complexities of the time by writers who have used the setting for just more of those so-called action-packed battle scenes with trite plots and one-dimensional characters. Those have ended up in my rubbish bin (by which I mean they have been passed hastily to my local charity shops).
This is not the case with Garland of Straw and whilst I appreciate that the writer's intention to make a complex background easier for the uninitiated reader, in doing so the historical exposition has become rather more heavy-handed. But if it allows the book to reach a wider audience than previously, then I guess that is justification. After all, the writer needs to reap some reward for all the care, time and effort expended in the creation, not least of which to encourage further novels in this series by an unusually highly talented writer in this genre.
I avidly await the next instalment in the series (King's Falcon) and recommend anyone following Stella Riley to read the excerpt now available on the web.
I just wish that the Putney debates had been let stand as in the original. But perhaps I am a little too familiar with the context and so super-sensitive to the nuances of such a crucial period in our history.
This book is a rewarding read and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I think if I were to read it again, I would go back to the original.
February 4, 2017
I enjoyed this book much more than the first of the series. The H in this story was so wonderful- honorable, kind, and forgiving. He did make some blunders but realized his mistakes and tried his best to remedy them. The h, on the other hand, was a shrew. I know her life was a series of serious disappointments, but she was very unfair and cruel to the H. I didn't like her very much, but her transformation into likable a h and someone worthy of the H was well written, realistic and a joy to read. Some of their miscommunications were so frustrating, but the angst was really wonderful and perfect. So if you can hang in there when the MCs are being awful to each other, I promise there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for you.
I also really enjoyed the secondary relationship in this book. Unlike Eden and Celia's in the first book, it was easy to be charmed by and root for the secondary characters' love. The H's foster family, the h's sister, and seeing the Maxwell family again were all very nice. I do like the continuation and resolution of some plot questions that carried over from the previous book.
Set in such an interesting time of British history, there was plenty of complexity to the plot. The historical context gave the characters depth and their actions gravitas, and while this was a bit heavy at times, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I also really enjoyed the secondary relationship in this book. Unlike Eden and Celia's in the first book, it was easy to be charmed by and root for the secondary characters' love. The H's foster family, the h's sister, and seeing the Maxwell family again were all very nice. I do like the continuation and resolution of some plot questions that carried over from the previous book.
Set in such an interesting time of British history, there was plenty of complexity to the plot. The historical context gave the characters depth and their actions gravitas, and while this was a bit heavy at times, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
January 30, 2026
Such a wonderful book!
This is a series that I was saving to read when I had an endless amount of time on my hands, because I wanted to savor it. I knew it would be spectacular because everything Stella Riley writes is outstanding and the English Civil War is an incredibly fascinating period of history.
After reading/listening to The Black Madonna that was just released on audio, I couldn't hold off reading the rest of the series. I was invested in their lives.
Garland of Straw is book 2. This is Venetia's and Gabriel's story. They are on opposite sides of the war; both are strong, loyal and admirable people, and they fall in love, without compromising their values. They are so worthy of respect!
The writing is beautiful: funny, poignant, insightful, and SR makes us care very much for even the secondary characters, some of whom will get their own stories in the series. Everyone (except the villains) was so darned likable!
I loved the plot, the history, the romance, and the humor. I can't recommend this series enough, and when the audio comes out for this, I will read it again!
This is a series that I was saving to read when I had an endless amount of time on my hands, because I wanted to savor it. I knew it would be spectacular because everything Stella Riley writes is outstanding and the English Civil War is an incredibly fascinating period of history.
After reading/listening to The Black Madonna that was just released on audio, I couldn't hold off reading the rest of the series. I was invested in their lives.
Garland of Straw is book 2. This is Venetia's and Gabriel's story. They are on opposite sides of the war; both are strong, loyal and admirable people, and they fall in love, without compromising their values. They are so worthy of respect!
The writing is beautiful: funny, poignant, insightful, and SR makes us care very much for even the secondary characters, some of whom will get their own stories in the series. Everyone (except the villains) was so darned likable!
I loved the plot, the history, the romance, and the humor. I can't recommend this series enough, and when the audio comes out for this, I will read it again!
February 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Stella Riley has a real talent for bringing her characters to life. Other have already revised the plot so all I will say is that the personal troubles of Gabriel and Venetia are entwined beautifully with the rambling events if the civil war. The book is well paced and there is a wonderful ebb and flow to events that's keeps you hooked right to the end.
This is great warmth in this story and I particularly love the way that Miss Riley weaves in characters from her previous novel ( A splendid defiance) even the smaller characters have warmth and illuminate the pages. I can recommend this as a good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong human story to drive events forward.
This is great warmth in this story and I particularly love the way that Miss Riley weaves in characters from her previous novel ( A splendid defiance) even the smaller characters have warmth and illuminate the pages. I can recommend this as a good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong human story to drive events forward.
December 20, 2013
Review By: Caz
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
January 21, 2026
I really like Stella Riley’s Georgian books but this is my first of her English Civil War novels. While romance is still a part of the plot, this has the heft of history (lots of history) and judging by the characters i met that were introduced in the two books prior and how some of the side characters arcs were not wholly wrapped up at the end of the book, I’d say this is supposed to be more of a sprawling historical novel series with romance.
(If anybody cares, I think the time order is A Splendid Defiance, then book 1 the Black Madonna on through this series, and then I’m not sure if it’s connected but Marigold Chain is set after)
However! I could understand the goings on and it was good. (This book is also about the ancestors of the Brandon Brothers trilogy so I knew some things going in.) Harland of Straw gives us a marriage of decided inconvenience between Venetia, a royalist, and Gabriel, a roundhead because of the terms of a will and a land dispute. This quickly becomes enemies to lowers as they are in DECIDED dislike and opposed sides with each other for a good portion of the book. However, over the course of the novel and a year (I think) they reckon with their situation and learn to respect and even like each other, though the road to get there is rocky and full of pitfalls.
This isn’t where I’d start with Stella Riley, if you haven’t read anything by her, particularly because of the dense history and the fractious nature of Gabriel and Venetia’s relationship. I think it fits the time period and the story but it does deploy some older romance tropes and is a little more on page for the love scenes than I’d say her Georgian ones are, so it may not be everyone’s favorite.
But it was still a really good time even though I was very stressed at all the war stuff! I’m definitely going to go back and read the books I got mild spoilers for.
Heat level: 2🌶️ while still nonspecific on details, the love scenes were more often than others I’ve read, though they were plot relevant.
TWs:
the love interests’ first time is anger fueled which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, though I do not consider it to be noncon.
Heroine has had bad sexual experience in the past
Miscarriage warning.
(If anybody cares, I think the time order is A Splendid Defiance, then book 1 the Black Madonna on through this series, and then I’m not sure if it’s connected but Marigold Chain is set after)
However! I could understand the goings on and it was good. (This book is also about the ancestors of the Brandon Brothers trilogy so I knew some things going in.) Harland of Straw gives us a marriage of decided inconvenience between Venetia, a royalist, and Gabriel, a roundhead because of the terms of a will and a land dispute. This quickly becomes enemies to lowers as they are in DECIDED dislike and opposed sides with each other for a good portion of the book. However, over the course of the novel and a year (I think) they reckon with their situation and learn to respect and even like each other, though the road to get there is rocky and full of pitfalls.
This isn’t where I’d start with Stella Riley, if you haven’t read anything by her, particularly because of the dense history and the fractious nature of Gabriel and Venetia’s relationship. I think it fits the time period and the story but it does deploy some older romance tropes and is a little more on page for the love scenes than I’d say her Georgian ones are, so it may not be everyone’s favorite.
But it was still a really good time even though I was very stressed at all the war stuff! I’m definitely going to go back and read the books I got mild spoilers for.
Heat level: 2🌶️ while still nonspecific on details, the love scenes were more often than others I’ve read, though they were plot relevant.
TWs:
the love interests’ first time is anger fueled which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, though I do not consider it to be noncon.
Heroine has had bad sexual experience in the past
Miscarriage warning.
December 23, 2023
4 1/2 stars. I was undecided whether to give this one four or five stars, because there were certain aspects of it that somewhat missed the mark for me personally. It had more sexual details than I have found in most of Stella Riley‘s books which I generally.
But, the real difficulty for me was that this book is so dense with military operations — which I know, is Stella Riley’s forte and area of expertise — but it just left me wanting more details and engagement between the main characters and even the supporting characters.
I just love the way Stella Riley develops each character. Both Gabriel and Venetia are such amazingly real and relatable characters that I just wanted to know them more. I guess the very fact that I am saying that I wanted more about the individual characters and their relationships written into the storyline says a lot, in and of itself, for Ms.Riley’s amazing characterization. Because, even though I felt the loss of more time spent with them, I definitely felt that I knew each of them very well. This is true of the supporting characters as well, including Gabriel’s friends and foster family, Venetia’s family, and even Sophia. I truly missed them when I closed the book.
So, ultimately, I’ve given this one 4 1/2 stars, because, even though it missed the mark with me a little bit, it was truly another incredibly written story.
I need to also say that, once again, the narration by Alex Wyndham is incomparable.
But, the real difficulty for me was that this book is so dense with military operations — which I know, is Stella Riley’s forte and area of expertise — but it just left me wanting more details and engagement between the main characters and even the supporting characters.
I just love the way Stella Riley develops each character. Both Gabriel and Venetia are such amazingly real and relatable characters that I just wanted to know them more. I guess the very fact that I am saying that I wanted more about the individual characters and their relationships written into the storyline says a lot, in and of itself, for Ms.Riley’s amazing characterization. Because, even though I felt the loss of more time spent with them, I definitely felt that I knew each of them very well. This is true of the supporting characters as well, including Gabriel’s friends and foster family, Venetia’s family, and even Sophia. I truly missed them when I closed the book.
So, ultimately, I’ve given this one 4 1/2 stars, because, even though it missed the mark with me a little bit, it was truly another incredibly written story.
I need to also say that, once again, the narration by Alex Wyndham is incomparable.
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