Stella Riley

Another wonderful story!

For me,, the publication of a new Stella Riley book is a most eagerly anticipated event, I know that for a few short hours I will be able to submerge myself in a glorious bygone world with a group of engaging, finely drawn characters whose stories will make my heart sing with joy. "Hazard" is no exception. I loved having two stories to follow and enjoyed thinking about the similarities and differences between the main characters. I especially liked the strength, honesty and spirit shown by Madeleine and Genevieve in defence of and for love of their men. While I had been longing to find out if and how Nicholas and Madeleine would get their Happy Ever After, I had also been curious about Aristide and found his story unusual and compelling. As always, it was a delight to meet old friends and see how their lives are progressing. Also as always, I did not want the book to end but have had a smile on my face all day. Just waiting for the hard copy to be published so I can read it again in slow time and linger over all my favourite bits - of which there are many! Thank you, Ms Riley, for the hours of pleasure all your novels have brought me.… (altro)

Another lovely, lovely story by this wonderful writer

At the risk of sounding a bit too ‘fan girl’, I believe that, in Cadenza, Ms Riley demonstrates once again the skills that make her, for me at least, the best writer of historical romantic fiction. Her mastery of setting, plot, dialogue and characterisation are again laid before us in a beautifully intricate composition rivalling any of those played or devised by Julian Langham, the hero of this story.

As with the previous five books in the Rockliffe series, it is a joy to slip into the Georgian world with its silks and taffeta, fans and snuffboxes and assemblies and balls. Ms Riley is as adept at depicting a run down manor house with all its problems as she is at bringing to life the more austere atmosphere of a ducal mansion. It is also a joy to meet again characters from these previous novels and delight in their ongoing marital happiness.

Like Hazard, the previous book in the series, Cadenza concerns two parallel love stories. I love the contrast between the two. Where one is warm, vital and passionately heartfelt (if not openly admitted), the other is measured and reserved with only brief glimpses at the passion held under strict control - until the denouement of course. Another reviewer mentioned the identity swap being a bit far fetched but this is a work of fiction and we are supposed to suspend our disbelief. I was more than happy to do so because it is the cause of the jeopardy in the story and enabled the author to show her plotting skills and allow the Duke of Rockliffe to pull all the strings with such finesse.

However, it is in the characterisation and dialogue where Ms Riley truly excels. I challenge anyone to read this story and not all in love with Julian Langham. He is gorgeous in every way. Arabella is a triumph too. If you have not read Ms Riley’s Roundhead and Cavalier novels, I would urge you to do so, especially Garland of Straw where Arabella’s great, great,great grandparents fell in love. Shades of Gabriel and Venetia are mingled to perfection in Arabella. As for the other couple, I love how the author has redeemed a character who in Hazard had come across as hugely unlikeable. By a masterful unveiling of his past and through the perceptive understanding of Elizabeth, the author shows how Ralph was more ‘sinned against’ than ‘sinning’ and how he might well be worthy of love. After all, we all love a tall, dark, handsome and intellectual hero - or is it just me?

Engaging dialogue helps bring these characters to life. Sometimes it is sparkling banter and at other times it is more considered and demonstrates their intelligence as they try to learn the attitudes and motivations of their prospective partners. I also love their internal monologues that let us understand them more deeply.

I should also mention the sundry other characters who contribute to such a rounded, enjoyable story. The three children are so real. I just want to hug them all, especially Tom.As for Max Brandon, doesn’t he deserve his own story? I would have loved to have him as my older brother. Even Mrs Phelps with her inedible cooking is portrayed with sensitivity as well as humour.

Ms Riley writes with such warmth, wit, perception and empathy that her characters leap off the pages and into our hearts. Cadenza is a truly satisfying and joyful read. Bravissima, Ms Riley.… (altro)

Among all the festive treats on offer this year I doubt I will enjoy anything as much as I have enjoyed Stella Riley’s Christmas novella: “Midwinter Magic”. It has everything I look for in a story: warmth, wit, laughter, a touch of jeopardy, two lovely romances and a sprinkling of true Christmas magic.

The setting is Sarre Place, the home of Adrian and Caroline (see their story in “The Player”). They are holding a Christmas house party for their closest friends and family. It is truly delightful to meet again the characters from Ms Riley’s previous Rockliffe novels. They leap from the pages fully formed and a joy to watch. There are people from all generations: from Caroline’s gorgeous grandfather down to Vanessa Jane, Rockliffe’s adored daughter, not forgetting the Chalfont children, who are superbly drawn, enchanting characters.

There is a programme of entertainments drawn up by Bertrand Didier, Adrian’s best friend and major domo. These give rise to some very memorable moments: a riotous game of football on the beach, a visit to a castle; an impromptu concert given by the delectable Julian Langham and the soiree where all the guests perform “turns” for each other. I defy anyone not to be moved by young Tom’s tribute to his adopted father. There is so much well-developed action packed into the novella that it feels as rich as a full length novel.

Ms Riley writes such beautiful love stories, and we are lucky enough to have two in “Midwinter Magic”. It is lovely to see a mature couple come together in such a natural way. You can feel their trepidation at risking their hearts and cheer for their happy ending. The younger couple’s story is equally sweet. I love how Ms Riley’s heroes are always so wise and just a touch masterful but shaded also with a little unsureness – such attractive traits that make me fall in love with them just as the heroine does.

The introduction of Mrs Hayward and the Dowager Lady Sarre, Caroline and Adrian’s respective mothers, is a stark counterpoint to the warmth and joy of the rest of the novella. It underlines the truism that you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. The Dowager Lady Sarre, in particular, is a horror and it is a testament to his own character and the redeeming power of love that Adrian is as well balanced as he is.

As for the sprinkling of Christmas Magic, it is hard to say anything without giving too much away. It is woven through the novella and concerns the altruistic wishes of a kind little girl. The ending is richly satisfying and completes this superb valedictory to all the wonderful characters in Rockliffe’s world. It is sad to be saying goodbye to this world but a joy to know that I can go back to any of the seven novels in this cycle whenever I need a dose of warmly witty and delightful romance in the company of characters I adore.… (altro)

It is always exciting to receive a new book by a favourite romance author. You know that you are in for an absorbing story with wonderful protagonists, sparkling interactions and a delicious central relationship, along with an interesting cast of secondary characters and a sense of place that combine into a sum greater than its excellent parts. I am delighted to say that this is very much the case with Stella Riley’s new novel, Under a Dark Moon.

The story is set on the coast of Kent around Romney Marsh and its environs. The long, flat stretches of beach and sea wall and barren coastal hinterland with enveloping sea mists and the dreary overcast skies are easy to imagine and form an evocative setting for a story about smuggling.

I really enjoyed the plot of Under a Dark Moon. Smuggling is a much-used trope in romantic fiction but there was a freshness of approach and such a well-developed story that made Ms Riley’s novel exciting and engrossing. Each element of the story was well-thought-through. From the logistics of organising and operating the runs to the conspiracy of silence of those involved in the trade to the hopeless task facing the Riding Officers and Preventive Men, it felt realistic and all too feasible. I especially enjoyed the underlying espionage sub-plot that added depth and complexity to the story and provided the protagonists ample opportunities to display their skills, intelligence and courage.

However, Ms Riley’s most accomplished skill is her ability to create wonderfully memorable characters and incorporate them into a delightfully satisfying love story. At their first meeting there was little to suggest that Adam and Camilla will be right for each other but as their characters are slowly revealed to us and to each other, it is such a pleasure to watch their romance develop. I loved that though they are both relatively young they are both so mature in their thoughts and actions.

Adam is the middle Brandon brother. He has chosen to leave the family estate in Yorkshire and make his own way in the world. He is quite different to his brother Max (see A Trick of Fate) but still has the Brandon honour, integrity and beautiful manners. He is a lovely man, both physically (gorgeous) and in personality. Self-contained, economical in speech and somewhat reserved, he is nevertheless confident in his skills and uses his razor-sharp intelligence to best effect. Perhaps his most appealing trait is that he treats Camilla as every inch his equal in all things. His open appreciation and respect for her intelligence is an important element in Camilla’s realisation of her attraction to Adam.

Camilla is also a fascinating character. Sharp and spiky when we first meet her, she is still berating herself for having imagined herself in love with a selfish man who did not love her. A year later, having sworn off men but still feeling humiliated, she is very antagonistic towards Adam in their first few meetings. However, when she is back in her own home and experiences Adam’s calm good sense and down-to-earth attitude, she realises that she has been rather rude and apologises. This apology paves the way for their friendship to develop. For such a young woman, Camilla is very mature – perhaps because her special skill has given her access to a world that was usually closed to women and where she could use and sharpen her own intelligence. When problems occur throughout the story, she uses her brain to think through possible solutions. She displays resilience and backbone at every turn, refusing to resort to tears and inaction, though she clearly feels the shock, horror and gut-wrenching worry that the plot turns generate. When she realises her attraction to Adam and that it is reciprocated, her responses are delightfully open and warm. Adam and Camilla are a perfect match for each other, and their story will live long in my memory.

As always in a Stella Riley novel, there is a great cast of secondary characters. I loved Rainham and enjoyed glimpses of his long-suffering wife and would have loved to see his romance! Harry Finch was a joy, as was Coombes and Uncle Alveston. The “baddies” were suitably dark and dastardly and even a little surprising! It was lovely to meet Sebastian and Cassie again and to see a more serious side of Sebastian. Even the Duke of Rockliffe made a very small cameo appearance.

With this book it feels like the author has taken a step further away from the Rockliffe cycle of books and possibly one in the direction of the complexity, historical and emotional heft of the Roundhead and Cavalier novels. Under a Dark Moon is an exciting, action-packed novel where the development of the central romance is inextricably entwined with the progress of the plot to make a richly rewarding and satisfying read. I just loved it.
… (altro)