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Garland of Straw (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 358 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree!
The marriage of a well-bred Royalist lady and an illegitimate Roundhead Colonel is less a match made in heaven than a union doomed to hell. Unfortunately, Sir Robert Brandon's last will and testament leaves Venetia Clifford and Gabriel Brandon with little choice in the matter - deeply though they both resent it. Their tempestuous relationship is reflected in the events buffeting the nation as England slides into a second Civil War. While Gabriel continues to serve in the New Model Army, Venetia engages in clandestine activities on behalf of the King; and both their lives are complicated still further when Gabriel's half-brother - to whom Venetia was formerly betrothed - returns from exile. While the Army and Parliament argue over the fate of the King, Gabriel realises that he has a dangerous enemy. And as events gather pace, bringing the King to trial, the tangled web of danger and deceit surrounding both Gabriel and Venetia slowly tightens its grip.
Stella Riley is the 2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medallist for Historical Romance and proud to have been awarded 14 B.R.A.G. medallions
What readers say of Garland of Straw:-
“For anyone who is interested in the English Civil War, this is a must read as an historical novel. It has all the ingredients. So, a fictional love story tied in with the real events leading up to Charles 1's execution. The historical detail is superb. I've been looking for something like this for a long time.”

“This is a well-researched and well-written historical fiction by an author whose treatment of the subject makes this complex background easier for the reader new to this era of our history to understand. Overlaying this you have two skilfully depicted protagonists who are believable and captivating and a series of subplots with characters you really care about.”
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Roundheads & Cavaliers
  2. Print length
    618 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 27, 2013
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

An absolute gem!
Thoroughly well researched and set against a back drop of political and social uncertainty, the period covers 1647 to 1649. Throughout Ms Riley intertwines the real history of the day with her own fictional characters so adroitly, creating a truly outstanding piece of work.
Again, as in her other books, Ms Riley produces wonderful characters who you actually like and are genuinely interested in. Her plotting is very good and credible. But her real strength is her use of dialogue because as you read you hear them speak, and so feel you are there with them. B. L. Hunter

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GZ1VODK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stella Riley; 2nd edition (November 27, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 27, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 618 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 358 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

4.4 out of 5 stars
358 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book an immensely satisfying read with incredibly fascinating historical content, and one review notes how the author incorporates the complexities of the period. Moreover, the writing quality is excellent, and customers appreciate the strong-willed characters, with one review highlighting how the author masterfully weaves historical figures into the narrative. Additionally, the romance is well-presented, and customers enjoy the series.

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16 customers mention "History"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the historical content of the book incredibly fascinating, with one customer noting how the author incorporates the complexities of the historical period into the narrative.

"...The writing is beautiful: funny, poignant, insightful, and SR makes us care very much for even the secondary characters, some of whom will get..." Read more

"...Other than that the book is amazing. The plot was fascinating and the villain a bit unexpected...." Read more

"...I am amazed how the author incorporated the complexities of the historical period into the plot and made them understandable...." Read more

"...They are impeccably researched epics that are really astoundingly crafted...." Read more

7 customers mention "Enjoyment"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book and the series, with one specifically praising it as a great sequel.

"...No matter how it is presented. Other than that the book is amazing. The plot was fascinating and the villain a bit unexpected...." Read more

"...I am enjoying this series very much although it takes place in a very turbulent time in history. I highly recommend...." Read more

"I've really enjoyed this book. It follows characters that we met in previous books. I find this historical period in England (1640s) fascinating...." Read more

"...Worthy of the high rating." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how the author expertly weaves historical figures into a work of fiction.

"...Ms. Riley is a master of weaving together characters in a series, as demonstrated in the Rockliffe series...." Read more

"I've really enjoyed this book. It follows characters that we met in previous books. I find this historical period in England (1640s) fascinating...." Read more

"...Expertly weaving historical figures into a work of fiction, or maybe fictional characters into English History, you can almost believe that you are..." Read more

"An absorbing and psychologically rich story with strong and interesting characters...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...They are so worthy of respect! The writing is beautiful: funny, poignant, insightful, and SR makes us care very much for even the..." Read more

"...I find this historical period in England (1640s) fascinating. Well written with many plot twists and dangerous situations." Read more

"...This is a very good story by a very good writer...." Read more

"...An excellent author, a well executed plot and a very satisfying romance. Worthy of the high rating." Read more

5 customers mention "Romance"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, finding it perfectly presented, with one customer noting the well-suited couple.

"...I loved the plot, the history, the romance, and the humor...." Read more

"...He is a perfect match for the author." Read more

"...of weaving them together so that both the history and the romance are relevantly connected...." Read more

"...Riley's romance is so perfectly presented that it's well worth wading through the history...." Read more

4 customers mention "Strength"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the characters, describing them as strong-willed and loyal, with one customer noting they are really astoundingly crafted.

"...They are on opposite sides of the war; both are strong, loyal and admirable people, and they fall in love, without compromising their values...." Read more

"...They are impeccably researched epics that are really astoundingly crafted...." Read more

"...Gabriel and Venetia are a well suited couple, both loyal to a fault, determined and strong willed, forced by circumstances into a marriage neither..." Read more

"An absorbing and psychologically rich story with strong and interesting characters...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an immensely satisfying read, with one customer noting that it improves with each chapter.

"...It was such a pleasure to read, and even more satisfying to have Sam Radford play a big role and of course get to see my two favorite characters..." Read more

"...Updates of characters from previous books are very satisfying...." Read more

"...The beauty of Riley's work is how utterly and totally believable she makes their distaste for each other...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Bibliolatry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a wonderful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    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!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Crazygirl
    4.0 out of 5 stars excellent writing - some detailed sex scenes
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This gets 4 stars due to the unnecessary details in the sex scenes. I believe there were 2 pretty explicit, the others left out details. I did skip the detailed scenes, but it's annoying because you must scan it until you figure out it is over to continue with the plot.

    More detail of the civil war than I could wrap my head around, so there were many pages that felt like school, so I started skipping as I did in her previous book. Reading so many details on the war didn't really help me understand it and it was a bit overwhelming and boring. I understand the lesson was to realize there were so many different factions it was insane. But I'm reading fiction and don't want a history lesson., No matter how it is presented.

    Other than that the book is amazing. The plot was fascinating and the villain a bit unexpected. Although there are a few clues, the reason behind it is surprising.

    In general(minus explicit scenes) I have enjoyed this series, but am skipping book 3 as it seems to be too dark for my tastes.

    I will move onto book 4 and get closure on Eden's story.
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  • Sallyk575
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Ms. Riley
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This next book in the series set during the English Civil Wars is a excellent. I am amazed how the author incorporated the complexities of the historical period into the plot and made them understandable. It is hard to imagine living with the political volatility of the times. One’s beliefs can be popular at one point, but then can be the cause for imprisonment and even execution within a few weeks time. It was interesting to learn that the basic ideas about individual liberty that would become part of the US constitution were espoused by a group called the Levellers and a man called Freeborn John in the 1640s-50s.
    Characters from previous books are included, and I enjoyed reading how their stories continued. Some of their storylines continue into subsequent books. Ms. Riley is a master of weaving together characters in a series, as demonstrated in the Rockliffe series. The audio version is excellent with Alex Wyndham, as always. He is a perfect match for the author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Morgan Windle (Morgan & Many Books)
    5.0 out of 5 stars You can never really go wrong with a Stella Riley book, book two in the series was excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    You really can’t beat Stella Riley’s historical fiction. They are impeccably researched epics that are really astoundingly crafted. She manages to find just the right opportunities and reasons to supplant her characters in the midst of huge historical events. Just like Splendid Defiance and Black Madonna, This Book is no different. I had been anticipating Gabriel and Venetia’s story for some time, being familiar with the Brandon families reintroduction into her universe at the end of the a Rockliffe series and the new Brandon series.... I have only put it off because I wanted to wait of Rute audibook bc that I show I was introduced to SR (via Alex Wyndham’s narrations) but then decided I couldn’t wait any longer. It was such a pleasure to read, and even more satisfying to have Sam Radford play a big role and of course get to see my two favorite characters again (Justine and Abby of course). I do hope Sam gets out of the Tower! Now I have to read the third installment in the series... i only wish that we could get more 17th century writing from SR. I LOVE her Georgian series but she really has a knack for epics. I really liked the complexities of the second phase of the civil war and I thought SR wove he story perfectly. Venetia and Gabriel’s relationship also developed well despite all the pitfalls. It was an immensely satisfying read!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lowcountry girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book 2
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love this series and the history is just as incredible to read as the main character's love story. Stella Riley has a way of weaving them together so that both the history and the romance are relevantly connected. Updates of characters from previous books are very satisfying. It's like you know these people and care about them and want them to survive to have a good life. The Rockliff series was wonderful and led me to this series. I wish there was another Rockliff book in the making. I am enjoying this series very much although it takes place in a very turbulent time in history. I highly recommend. Not R rated thank goodness, I hate bodice ripper books and do not find them sophisticated enough to be interesting. There are some scenes which I think could be left out but overall never tawdry.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great sequel to "The black Madonna"
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I've really enjoyed this book. It follows characters that we met in previous books. I find this historical period in England (1640s) fascinating. Well written with many plot twists and dangerous situations.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Carol Cork
    5.0 out of 5 stars A skilful blend of history, politics, intrigue, suspense, tragedy, and a stormy romance.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • PLB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A Grand Historical Romance in every sense of the term - the history is exceptionally good (though I admit to being a fan of Ireton and Cromwell and thinking that Charles deserved everything he got!), the characterizations strong and the romance(s) engaging. My only complaint is that I now have to go out and buy the paperbacks (as soon as the prices come down a bit)

    Late Note: I followed this book by buying one of her Georgian romances - The Mésalliance - and thoroughly enjoyed that as well so I now have the pleasure of adding an author to my 'must buy' list.
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  • Jocelyn Leniston
    5.0 out of 5 stars Garland of Straw
    Reviewed in Australia on July 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    It was a great book. Are we any nearer to getting an audio version please?
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  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Germany on June 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I started on this book the moment I finished The Black Madonna and found it just as satisfying. Or perhaps even more fascinating. not only is the storyline gripping, the background of the English Civil War is extremely interesting. I learned a lot about the period while enjoying meeting familiar characters from the previous book and following their fortunes as new developments and characters join the rich tapestry. Can’t wait to read more!
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  • Valy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellente serie
    Reviewed in France on October 5, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Cette série qui a lieu pendant les guerres civiles successives en Angleterre au 17e siècle est tout a fait remarquable.
    Stella Riley entremêle avec panache la grande Histoire et les aventures de ses héros et héroïnes de tout bords.
    On est happé par l'histoire, entraîné malgré nous et grâce au talent de l'auteur dans les aventures de ces personnages réels ou fictifs, mais toujours passionnés et passionnants. Un pur plaisir et une excellent occasion de découvrir cette période de l'histoire que je connaissais peu.
    Il semble, à la fin de 3 livre (The king's Falcon), que les aventures ne soient pas terminées... vivement la suite donc.
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