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Stella Riley
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Cadenza (Rockliffe Book 6) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 718 ratings
2021 Book Excellence Awards Winner
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
2019 Gold Winner of Readers' Favorite Annual Contest
Rockliffe Series recommended in THE TIMES

The performance finished in a flourish of technical brilliance and the young man rose from the harpsichord to a storm of applause.

Julian Langham was poised on the brink of a dazzling career when the lawyers lured him into making a catastrophic mistake. Now, instead of the concert platform, he has a title he doesn’t want, an estate verging on bankruptcy … and bewildering responsibilities for which he is totally unfitted.
And yet the wreckage of Julian’s life is not a completely ill wind. For Tom, Rob and Ellie it brings something that is almost a miracle … if they dare believe in it.
Meanwhile, first-cousins Arabella Brandon and Elizabeth Marsden embark on a daring escapade which will provide each of them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The adventure will last only a few weeks, after which everything will be the way it was before. Or so they think. What neither of them expects is for it to change a number of lives … most notably, their own.
And there is an additional complication of which they are wholly unaware.
The famed omniscience of the Duke of Rockliffe.

Praise for CADENZA ...

“Deserves more than five stars!”

“I am continuously amazed with the consummate skill that Ms. Riley exhibits in developing her characters. CADENZA, however, is in a class all of its own.”

“Stella Riley has the gift of engaging readers with very sophisticated and realistic characters. The premise is strong: an introverted young man who lives for music. Julian is a character who will fascinate readers. The backstory is intelligently written and the prose is gorgeous, combining with compelling themes to make for a delightful read.” (Readers’ Favorite)

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  1. Book 6 of 7
    Rockliffe
  2. Print length
    393 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 22, 2018
  5. File size
    4.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

5 star review from Readers' Favourite
Cadenza is the sixth book in the Rockliffe historical romance series by Stella Riley, a novel with a web of complex relationships and fascinating characters. While the story explores different romantic developments, it centres on Julian, a virtuoso harpsichordist and handsome young man who is conned by an unscrupulous law firm into leaving his musical career, the one thing he lives for, and to return home "briefly," but it is too late when he notices that he has been tricked. Now a reluctant young earl, he inherits a crumbling estate. Can he pay off the debts and restore the estate to its former glory? Follow this character as he learns to live and work with his tenants, building new relationships, and transforming life around him one day at a time and from one crisis to another. Also discover as his heart opens to a love he never saw coming.

Stella Riley has the gift of engaging readers with very sophisticated and realistic characters. The premise is strong: an introverted young man who lives for music is uprooted from his world and entrusted with a responsibility he has never dreamed about. Julian is a character that will fascinate readers; he keeps to himself, speaks little. He is ruthlessly honest and has a unique sense of fairness and justice. The romance between Julian and Belle develops at a speed that keeps the reader very interested. The author uses subplots to create suspense, shifting from one story line to the next. While readers are delighted to follow Julian and Belle, there is the evolving romance between Belle's sister, Lizzie, and Ralph, Earl of Sherbourne. Backstory is intelligently written to enrich the narrative and it never comes across as a distraction from the main story line. The prose in Cadenza is gorgeous and it combines with the interesting cast of characters and the compelling themes to make for a delightful read.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07JHJTWQD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stella Riley; 1st edition (November 22, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 22, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 393 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B09722XHYV
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 718 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
718 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book delightful and well-written, particularly appreciating the clever use of music and harpsicord in the story. They praise the character development, with one review noting the unusual addition of a redeemed villain, and value how the plots are interwoven seamlessly throughout the series. Customers describe the book as heartwarming and funny, with one review highlighting its touching portrayal of children.

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24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and brilliant, describing it as a must-read.

"I loved this book, what a treasure. The two couples are so diverse and have completely different stories but both make perfect sense...." Read more

"...are the links, but all the women are distinct, likable, and thoroughly-imagined...." Read more

"...much better than the majority of historical romances and very much worth the read...." Read more

"...to hero and ELizabeth's developing love and loyalty to him was very enjoyable...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting the appearance of characters throughout the series, with one customer highlighting the colorful secondary characters and another mentioning the unusual addition of a redeemed villain.

"...I cannot say how much I have enjoyed this series and all the characters...." Read more

"...between heroes are the links, but all the women are distinct, likable, and thoroughly-imagined...." Read more

"...There's so much to like: (1) Two romances with appealing characters, (2) a connection to Riley's English Civil War novel GARLAND OF STRAW, (3) the..." Read more

"...with the three children is heartwarming and a great illustration of both their character - I loved the way they won the children's trust and love..." Read more

17 customers mention "Romance"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, appreciating its two love stories and how the plots are interwoven seamlessly, making it a regency romance at its best.

"I loved this book, what a treasure. The two couples are so diverse and have completely different stories but both make perfect sense...." Read more

"...the fourth, fifth, and sixth in Stella Riley's excellent Rockliffe series of Georgian romances...." Read more

"...Belle and Julian's romance is touching and moves along beautifully, and the romance between Belle's cousin Lizzie and Ralph, Earl of Sherbourne,..." Read more

"...There are many delightful scenes in this book, artfully narrated on Audible by Alex Wyndham...." Read more

11 customers mention "Storytelling ability"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the storytelling ability of the book, describing it as beyond great and heartwarming, with one customer particularly appreciating Raife and Elizabeth's story.

"...I really loved Raife and Elizabeth's story and wish there had been more about their journey and eventual wedding. I could most relate to them...." Read more

"...Duke of Rockliffe, (4) clever use of music and the harpsicord, (5) heartwarming, and not annoying, inclusion of children, (6) the Duke of Rockliffe,..." Read more

"...Julian and Arabella's relationship with the three children is heartwarming and a great illustration of both their character - I loved the way they..." Read more

"...The story of the children was touching, realistic and added a great deal to my already undying devotion to Julian, one of the H's...." Read more

9 customers mention "Music content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the musical references in the book, appreciating the clever use of music and harpsicord, with one customer highlighting the fascinating information about classical music.

"...The references to music are very interesting and I found myself going to youtube to look up the pieces referenced in the book. Very enjoyable...." Read more

"...novel GARLAND OF STRAW, (3) the Duke of Rockliffe, (4) clever use of music and the harpsicord, (5) heartwarming, and not annoying, inclusion of..." Read more

"...typical measure of historical accuracy, she provides a wealth of background information on the music...." Read more

"...Although I'm not well versed in music, I loved all the musical references (the ones in the final scenes are gold), and I have managed to find..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting the perfect pairing of narrator and story.

"...#6, 'Cadenza,' features a musician hero who is so perfectly written - all the parts about music and his relationship to it are so, so good - that..." Read more

"...inclusion of children, (6) the Duke of Rockliffe, (7) Riley's top-notch writing, and (8) the Duke of Rockliffe. First, the romances...." Read more

"...In these stories, though, I found the perfect pairing of narrator and story. I read and listened together, whichever my activity allowed...." Read more

"...Ms. Riley is a wonderful writer and I look forward to exploring what else she has written. “I love you. How could anyone not love you?..." Read more

6 customers mention "Wit"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book witty and funny, with one customer particularly appreciating the wonderful dialogue.

"...Witty, at times lyrical, do recommend as a series." Read more

"...The hero in this story, Julian, is especially endearing, but each story includes characters with their own appeal...." Read more

"I love these novels. The writing is good enough that I was wholly absorbed during an all-day travel day. Are they 100% accurate? No...." Read more

"...are slow burn romances, full of colorful secondary characters, wonderful dialogue, appropriate comic moments and a logical progression of the story...." Read more

5 customers mention "Series quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series, with one customer noting it's the sixth book in the series and another mentioning it provides a good conclusion.

"...This is the sixth book in the series and although could be a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order which will provide the..." Read more

"Great series, great book. Totally enjoyed it!" Read more

"my pick as best of an excellent series..." Read more

"Good end to the series..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Lowcountry girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond imagination
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book, what a treasure. The two couples are so diverse and have completely different stories but both make perfect sense. I really loved Raife and Elizabeth's story and wish there had been more about their journey and eventual wedding. I could most relate to them. In the audible Ralph is pronounced Raife so pardon me for calling him Raife which I much prefer to Ralph. I looked it up and according to historic pronunciations, the L is silent so Ralph is Raph or Raife in pronunciation. I was glad as I love the name Raife but Ralph not at all. The references to music are very interesting and I found myself going to youtube to look up the pieces referenced in the book. Very enjoyable. I love fiction that you can learn something new from and this one delivers. I cannot say how much I have enjoyed this series and all the characters. It makes it hard to leave them and I do hope there will be updates on the characters for many more books to come. I hate to leave this group of characters that almost seem like family!
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  • Alexandra Y. Caluen
    5.0 out of 5 stars my pick as best of an excellent series
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This week I read the fourth, fifth, and sixth in Stella Riley's excellent Rockliffe series of Georgian romances. Have not found many who specialize in this time period and who get it right; I like it. #6, 'Cadenza,' features a musician hero who is so perfectly written - all the parts about music and his relationship to it are so, so good - that the book must claim top place for me in the series, even though I would four-star them all. This series is one of those where connections between heroes are the links, but all the women are distinct, likable, and thoroughly-imagined. The dialogue is not anachronistically modern, but also not tiresomely 18th-century. Witty, at times lyrical, do recommend as a series.
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  • OLT
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stellar sixth story in Stella's superb series.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    For the first two thirds of this story I was absolutely delighted. There's so much to like: (1) Two romances with appealing characters, (2) a connection to Riley's English Civil War novel GARLAND OF STRAW, (3) the Duke of Rockliffe, (4) clever use of music and the harpsicord, (5) heartwarming, and not annoying, inclusion of children, (6) the Duke of Rockliffe, (7) Riley's top-notch writing, and (8) the Duke of Rockliffe.

    First, the romances. There are two and at first I thought they were planned to be both of equal importance. 20-something females Arabella Brandon, sister of a baron and great-great-great granddaughter of Gabriel and Venetia of GARLAND OF STRAW, and her cousin Elizabeth Marsden, a vicar's daughter, are both invited to the Duke of Rockliffe's home in London for their come-outs, to be sponsored by him and his wife.

    Belle does not want to go because she had been jilted by her fiance with whom she had anticipated their marriage vows and, now no longer a virgin, she doesn't feel comfortable on the marriage mart. Lizzie would love to go to London but her staid and inflexible father will not allow it, so she has made plans to accept a job as housekeeper/governess in the household of the Earl of Chalfont in Nottinghamshire. What to do, they wonder. Well, Belle has the great idea that they should change places and identities, since no one at Chalfont Hall or in London knows them.

    So off Belle goes to work for the Earl of Chalfont and Lizzie continues on to London and the home of Rockliffe. On the way to London, Lizzie's coach overturns and she is helped by a rather begrudging rescuer, Ralph Harcourt, the Earl of Sherbourne and half brother of Genevieve, one of the heroines of the previous book, HAZARD. Ralph was a bit of an antihero in HAZARD so, needless to say, his rescue of Lizzie and his delivery of her to London is looked upon less as a rescue than as damage to her reputation, This will require some repair work by Rockliffe et al.

    All the while Lizzie is starting to have feelings for Sherbourne and he starts to...something. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what he can and cannot feel. He's described in the book as someone who has "shut his emotions away where he can't find them...almost as if he's observing the world from behind a glass wall."

    Meanwhile, Belle has arrived at Chalfont Hall, meets the new earl, Julian Langham, a handsome, young, virtuoso harpsicordist who had been living in Vienna for seven years previously, and his wards, illegitimate children of the former earl. Julian is a total introvert lacking in social graces. Introverted and awkward, that is, except when he puts his hands to the harpsicord and becomes a confident, dazzlingly brilliant musician.

    Julian is a very reluctant new earl, He was tricked into believing that his stay in England would be short and would soon be back in Vienna doing what he loves. But not so and he is quite despondent. The lack of music and musical instruments is drying up his soul. However, there is an old harpsicord at the hall, but it needs a complete and total reworking, something Julian is doing little by little, with great, painstaking care.

    So there we have a lovely metaphor of the harpsicord representing Julian's life which now must be reworked by him to include the responsibilities of Chalfont Hall and the three children he is now guardian to and, somehow, there needs to be a way to integrate music into this to feed his soul. Belle will figure beautifully into his new reconfigured life with the children. And you'll find Belle's brother Max and Rockliffe doing their parts also to help.

    Belle and Julian's romance is touching and moves along beautifully, and the romance between Belle's cousin Lizzie and Ralph, Earl of Sherbourne, started out very well also. It looked to be one of those opposites-attract romances, Lizzie acting very much as one would expect a vicar's daughter to act and Ralph being Ralph, with a somewhat unsavory reputation, a death-by-duel of a friend in his past, and him the subject of frequent gossip because of his supposed dealings with women.

    But along the way it felt as if Riley decided to make it a very secondary love story and she began to give it short shrift by about the 60% mark. To put it in musical terms, Riley left soft pedaled the romance. It began "animato, con spirito" and ended up "decrescendo, ritardando", as if Riley had become bored with Lizzie and Ralph. I do understand becoming bored with Lizzie, but with Ralph? He was not a boring man. Well, we do get to learn more about his relationships with his siblings and the truths behind that tragic duel, but the romance that I thought was going to sizzle more than Belle and Julian's, instead fizzled out.

    So what had at first felt like a 5-star read went "diminuendo" to a 4-star one. It's still much better than the majority of historical romances and very much worth the read. Stella Riley is in my top handful of HR authors I will automatically buy.
    30 people found this helpful
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  • noagnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of Stella Riley but after her previous Rockliffe book I thought there was not much scope for another in the series. I was mistaken - the story of the two heroines swapping places was wonderfully placed in the world of the Duke of Rockliffe and his friends. The two pairs of protagonists are more loosely connected to the increasing group of happily married and honourable, mostly aristocratic but unusually inclusive group than the protagonists of previous books. The new heroines have a loose connection to Rockliffe, the primary hero is a new and unique character, the virtuoso musician who is somewhat lost in the real world, only the secondary hero is known as a villain (or perhaps better termed antihero) of Hazard (Book 5) - the Earl of Sherbourne. His subtle transformation from antihero to hero and ELizabeth's developing love and loyalty to him was very enjoyable. Perhaps the only thing I missed from the story was a deeper explanation and resolution of the conflict between Sherbourne and his sister Genevieve (a theme of Hazard, the previous book again)
    Julian and Arabella's relationship with the three children is heartwarming and a great illustration of both their character - I loved the way they won the children's trust and love and loyalty. The description of the music, the harpsichord and Julian's unique relationship with them gave a richness and depth to the story. The connection to the author's previous English Civil War era novel (Garland of Straw, in which the ancestors of Arabella and Max play primary role). I hope there will be more stories about the Brandons!
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Clare McQuin
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best yet! Supposedly the end of series. Very hopefully NOT!
    Reviewed in Australia on December 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Stella Riley takes us to the end of the Georgian era and as I and her other fans hope - not the end of the Rockliffe series! Cadenza contains 1 new hero, the redemption of another and 2 new heroines, together with old friends and some just crying out for their own stories. Please, Stella. By all means take us back to English Civil War, Protectorate days, but don't abandon our friends.
    Julian is a delight and well suited to his heroine, Ralph has a back story which explains some of his attitudes and maybe reasons why treatment of his sister (in "Hazard") occurs so harshly. All subtly and skilfully orchestrated by Ms Riley with help from Rockliffe and his merry band of helpers.
    If any readers are tempted to try Stella's books, may I recommend you start at the first of the Rockliffe series and carry on through; you won't be disappointed and though they are standalone, they will make more sense with subplots carrying on over 2 or more volumes.
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  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars CADENZA is a feast for the senses
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    After five books in her fabulous Rockliffe series, Stella Riley is finally (and sadly) bringing the series to a close.

    But what a swan song! CADENZA has two compelling love stories at its centre. And who knew that, as well as being an historian (English Civil War – more about that later) of some considerable repute, she is also a knowledgeable and talented musician who has quite simply astounded me with her scholarship, research, and personal knowledge of the world of classical music, and in particular, the harpsichord?

    I am a huge fan of this author who is both an eloquent and creative writer, and each time we are treated to a new book there is never any danger of repetition. Cadenza is a feast for the senses and it’s a treat worth waiting for – from the first page to the last. Each book in the Rockliffe series is quite unique, apart from the ever-present, but fascinating characters who have each had their own stories told in preceding books and who are always in evidence and add something extra special as the series progresses.

    Cadenza centres around the world of music with the main character, Julian Langham, being a gifted and supremely talented, harpsichordist – a virtuoso in fact. Julian’s character is unlike any other I have ever encountered in Historical Romance. Since he was old enough to reach a keyboard, he has studied and played almost to the exclusion of all else and was destined to be a musician. At the age of twenty-eight and just teetering on the brink of his career, his world of playing and composing is brought to an abrupt halt by a disreputable firm of lawyers who con him into putting his career on hold ‘briefly’ and leaving Vienna to return to the country of his birth to take responsibility for a crumbling, debt ridden estate, and an earldom he neither wants nor even knew he was heir to, so obscure was his claim.

    Having lived in the world of music for most of his life, suddenly being faced with the reality of being responsible for his predecessor’s three feral illegitimate offspring and his bewildered tenants, and with debts and problems he cannot ever hope to meet or solve, has the effect on him of being doused by a bucket of cold water, especially when he realises there is no going back. The only tiny (and it is minute) light is a badly abused harpsichord which has been left in a sadly neglected state and is in pieces in the library. At the end of each long, hard day toiling on the estate, Julian begins to painstakingly restore it. Not only is Stella Riley a musician, but she has also carefully researched – with quite remarkable understanding – the inner workings of this instrument which shows in the terminology she uses as she describes Julian slowly beginning to restore it to working order.

    Julian may be gentle and slightly vague but he has an honestness, as rigid as a streak of iron, running through his backbone and, although he may not know what to do, he can’t be faulted for failing to do his best – rolling up his sleeves and working alongside his tenants – all the while slowly dying inside without his beloved music to sustain him. His obvious integrity and his determination not to increase rents, even though he desperately needs the money, earns him the respect of the locals and his tenants, not least the local doctor and his wife who befriend and help him as he flounders from one crisis to another. The children, whom he has tracked down and ensconced in the dilapidated nursery, are in turns angry and mistrustful, apart from the youngest, Ellie, who simply accepts him at face value. Tom and Rob are older, and Tom in particular – the twelve-year-old, self-elected protector of the threesome – doesn’t trust his motives. Why should Julian want them? No one has ever cared or wanted them before. Watching him win the boys’ trust, especially Tom’s, is heart-warming. Julian doesn’t employ artifice, he doesn’t know how to – he’s simply himself. In fact, it is his wholly innocent and sincere attitude in his dealings with the children which highlights the kind of man he truly is.

    The doctor and his wife realise that Julian needs help, especially with the children and the running of his home, so they propose he employs a housekeeper-cum-governess and set about advertising for a suitable candidate. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Marsden, who wishes to help her family out financially, applies and, after some correspondence, in which she infers a greater age and experience than she has, is offered the position for a trial period. No-one could predict the outcome this action precipitates – a series of events, which once set into motion, escalates and forever changes Julian’s life and those of the children.

    Meanwhile another drama is playing out at the home of Arabella Brandon, youngest of the four siblings at Brandon Lacey, where Arabella (Belle) has received the news that she has been jilted, after a three-year betrothal to her soldier fiancé who has not returned from the Colonial wars, instead marrying and settling in America. Her family, in particular her mother, want her to go to London for the season and she is reluctant to do so. She’s far from broken-hearted by the blow her ex-fiancé has dealt her, but, for reasons of her own, is not interested in husband hunting at present. Her closest friend, Lizzie, who happens to be her first cousin, would love a season in London but her clergyman father forbids it, even though the Duke of Rockliffe, a distant cousin of the girls’ mothers’, is happy to sponsor both of them with the aid of his Duchess. Lizzie, a dutiful daughter, realises the futility of trying to persuade her father and has instead begun the process of finding suitable employment.

    Belle is the most outgoing and vivacious of the two cousins and I was drawn to her immediately. She is, of course, the one who proposes the outrageous plan which will benefit both of them – she will take up the position Lizzie has just been offered as housekeeper/governess to the children of the Earl of Chalfont and Lizzie will travel to London as the guest of the duke and duchess. The only fly in the ointment being that they must take on the guise of each other. Of course, neither girl gives much thought to the cause and effect of their actions, although to be fair it takes some persuading on Belle’s part. But, eventually realising that it will give Belle some much-needed breathing space, Lizzie agrees and at least she will get her season. After their adventure, the girls will simply return to their old lives – not quite so simple, as we discover.

    All goes to plan to begin with. The girls swap clothes, prime Belle’s reluctant lady’s maid and set off together. They part ways some distance from Brandon Lacey as agreed and each travel to their respective destination. Matters start to go awry when Belle arrives at Chalfont and the doctor who meets her is surprised to see how much younger she is than her letter indicated. Even worse, Julian is horrified as she is ‘far too pretty’ and he considers sending her packing. The doctor talks him into giving her a trial period, as she has already won him over with her forthright and practical manner. Julian has had limited experience with the opposite sex and is, quite frankly, terrified of women. He initially appears rude although Belle later realises, with some surprise, that he is simply painfully shy. The truth is that Julian is deeply affected by Belle, much to his consternation. He is the one who thinks her ‘far too pretty’, whereas most people, including the doctor, think her ‘passably pretty’. A clear case of ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Not only is she ‘much too pretty’ but her warm, infectious laugh ‘does something to his insides’. I loved this and it is mentioned quite a few times throughout the story – he finds himself aware of her laugh and waits for it – it lifts his spirits and he is always affected in the same way. Of course, as a musician with a highly developed sense of hearing, he would notice such a thing whereas most others wouldn’t. The spark between them is definitely there, and Ms. Riley grows it slowly and sensitively until both are equally smitten with the other. Belle has grown up with three handsome brothers and is therefore not immediately taken in by Julian’s undeniable gorgeousness. But he has something rare which she’s drawn to – he’s totally unaware of his own physical appeal. He never attempts to dress up, in fact, most of the time, he’s downright scruffy, his hair overlong and untidy. She is impressed by his innate kindness, gentleness and thoughtfulness and moved by his complete disregard for what others may think of his taking in three illegitimate children and more – actually loving them.

    When Belle realises the extent of his musical talent and what the lack of performing is doing to him, she is resolved to do something for him. It doesn’t take her long to learn that he will shrivel up and die emotionally if he is denied his music. She sets her mind to thinking of ways to help him with the estate. Having grown up at Brandon Lacey observing her brothers using tried and tested methods, set in motion during the English Civil War by their Great-Great-Grandfather, Gabriel, she is resolved to beg her eldest brother’s assistance. Extremely astute, Belle realises that to perform – as he must – Julian needs an estate running in the black to free him for what life intended for him. Belle is on a mission and that’s because she’s finally in love. Eventually the two share a kiss, no more, but it is sensual and loving and both realise that something monumental has occurred. Stella Riley does this so well – she can imply sensuality and sexuality without the need for explicit bedroom scenes.

    As Belle is settling into Chalfont, Lizzie has a roadside catastrophe when her coach is damaged and she narrowly avoids serious injury obliging her to accept help from a passing traveller. Ralph, Earl of Sherbourne, isn’t too pleased that his journey has been interrupted by a dripping wet maiden in distress. But, being the consummate gentleman, he does what he must. In the end, with the roads impassable because of heavy rain, Lizzie is forced to spend two nights in his company. All goes well and nothing of importance happens, other than Lizzie becoming more and more intrigued by Ralph’s dark and brooding attractiveness, but he is uncommunicative, preferring to read his Greek copy of the Iliad than converse, except when he must. He does nothing that Lizzie could take an exception to. In short, he does not compromise her other than unwittingly and unwillingly having to escort her to safety. Lizzie is unaware that Ralph has a scandalous past and, without warning, it rises up to bite both of them. They are seen by two ladies travelling in the opposite direction who have stopped for refreshments at the same inn; these ladies put two and two together and come up with five. Sparks fly, especially as one of them quite evidently knows him well.

    Stella Riley has set herself quite a task, Ralph Sherbourne is not a character I thought to be redeemable. In Hazard he treated his half-sister, Genevieve, quite abominably. However, there is so much more to him than meets the eye and the circumstances surrounding the reasons why society shunned him are revealed, although only in confidence to Rockliffe who consequently has a new respect for him. Plus, against the odds, Lizzie likes him and refuses to believe badly of him. It is this unadulterated acceptance of him which surprises and sees him start to thaw from the austere, unapproachable man he has always been. I sensed his deep, black loneliness, keenly. I felt deeply sorry for him, especially when we see him with the Rockliffe ‘gang’ and he secretly envies the camaraderie they share, something he has never experienced. From detesting him in Hazard, I now wanted him to be happy and it seems that vicarage bred Lizzie could be the one so this was quite a turnabout. Ms. Riley couldn’t make everyone love him – that would have been totally implausible, but she’s done an excellent job in at least beginning his redemption with the help of Lizzie. He is understandably bitter – no one has ever believed in him, especially without knowing the facts of his duel and the reasons for it, which when revealed are quite shocking. I certainly didn’t see it coming. There is one particular scene, which again I can’t go into, but which had me rooting for Lizzie and Ralph as she nails her colours to the mast – superb! Ms. Riley at her best.

    By now the fat is in the fire for both girls – their subterfuge has been discovered – how could it not? Rock is omniscient and never misses a trick. Once they are unmasked, there is so much to be sorted out to avoid irreversible damage to the reputations of both girls. I won’t go into how, where or what, as this is such a complex story and so deliciously different. And you, dear reader, need to absorb and enjoy! Let’s just say that, as usual Rock is a ‘rock’. His humour, dry wit and urbanity steal the show (I know I say this in every review, but it’s so true and Ms Riley didn’t name this series Rockliffe for nothing).

    I promised earlier to mention the Brandon Lacey connection. Fans of Stella Riley will most probably have read her English Civil War series. If not – please do – you will not be disappointed. I myself have only just completed Garland of Straw in which Gabriel and Venetia Brandon are the hero and heroine of that amazing story and are the Great-Great-Grandparents of the current younger generation and I absolutely adored it. My point is, however, that Gabriel was almost bankrupt himself and, using his common sense, set in motion a method of farming which was highly successful and has by the time of Cadenza been used for generations. Belle persuades her brother, Max, to help Julian. I found the connection fascinating and, if I hadn’t read Garland, would probably have just skirted over it. And, by the way, having just mentioned Belle’s eldest brother Max… oh my! Please, please, Ms. Riley, having given us a taste of this gorgeous man – we need more!

    Two compelling romances – although my favourite was Julian and Belle, only because they are a couple like no other. And just wait until you see Julian in musical action. I can say no more, other than, gone is the awkward, self-deprecating man and I can honestly guarantee that your heart will melt.

    I believe the author intends to develop the Brandon connection (there are three unmarried brothers). I do hope so because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Rock and co. yet.

    MY VERDICT: Another amazing story in this memorable series and one I shall read/listen to over and over and never tire of. Highly recommended.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, satisfying and wonderful
    Reviewed in France on January 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A pleasure to rival listening to J S Bach. The characters in all the books by Stella Riley stay with me, but Julian is a a masterpiece. I am in awe. How Ms Riley manages to make him so annoying, so endearing, so mild and yet so strong, so sensitive and yet never too effeminate, so entirely and uniquely himself, is quite remarkable. I am also impressed that she can capture in words the power of music so vividly you can almost hear it.
    As a footnote, it is a real pleasure to read a book that does not wallow in death, disaster and dysfunction.
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  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Germany on April 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    When I realized that two characters in the story were going to change places I almost groaned- please not one of those tales where people get themselves deeper and deeper into the quagmire and jeopardize relationships and all that stuff! But, I’m learning, Stella Riley doesn’t do annoying story lines. Two girls swapping places is certainly stupid, but when the crunch comes all involved behave as people with a shred of common sense could be expected to. They TALK, solutions are sought, explanations given. Yes, thank you Stella!
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  • Mars
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love this author. Her characters and plot are just lovey
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