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A Splendid Defiance
Justin Ambrose, dashing cavalier and close companion to Prince Rupert, was bored with life in the Royalist garrison in Banbury, until he met the sister of a local merchant. Famous for his romantic conquests, Justin had never before let a woman touch his heart.
But Abby was no ordinary woman. She was beautiful and she was brave. She was also young and terrfied of her brother, a religious fanatic and self-sworn enemy of all Royalists.
When the rebel army unleashed its might on the castle, Justin fought tirelessly to break the siege. But even his closest friends did not know what tormented him. And Abby, as she sat with the rebel commanders at her brother's table, dreamed of a man she could not, must not love...
But Abby was no ordinary woman. She was beautiful and she was brave. She was also young and terrfied of her brother, a religious fanatic and self-sworn enemy of all Royalists.
When the rebel army unleashed its might on the castle, Justin fought tirelessly to break the siege. But even his closest friends did not know what tormented him. And Abby, as she sat with the rebel commanders at her brother's table, dreamed of a man she could not, must not love...
365 pages, ebook
First published April 11, 1985
34 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Stella Riley
23 books453 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 115 reviews
April 30, 2013
Originally published in 1985, this is a new e-book edition which has been revised and extended by the author. Publication date - 8th Dec 2012.
A Splendid Defiance is one of those books that’s stayed with me in the almost thirty years since I first read it. It’s a wonderful blend of history and romance, set in the latter part of the English Civil War, and takes place mostly in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire. Although the town itself was staunchly Parliamentarian, the castle was captured by the Royalists in 1642 and remained a Royalist stronghold until 1646.
The stage is therefore set for a good, meaty tale of how a small but determined garrison managed to defend a strategically important position in an overwhelmingly hostile environment; and later, for a Romeo and Juliet style romance - although in this case, instead of Montagus and Capulets we have Cavaliers and Roundheads as Justin Ambrose, a Captain in the Royalist army meets and eventually falls for Abigail Radford, whose brother, Jonas is a local well-to-do merchant and tyrannical, die-hard Puritan.
The first chapters of the book deal with the first siege of Banbury castle by the Parliamentarian forces under the command of John Fiennes. The historical detail is impeccably researched and the life of the castle and the people inside it is described so vividly that the reader feels part of it.
Sir Will Compton, the young commander of the castle actually existed as did Hugh Vaughan, John Lilburne and a number of the other characters we meet in the book (there is a short author’s note at the end telling us who’s who) and they are all seamlessly integrated with Stella Riley’s own fictional creations.
The picture she paints of Abby’s life under her brother’s joyless roof is similarly authentic. As a woman, Abby knows she has no control over her own future or any real choices in life; even the decision whether or not she will marry will be Jonas’. He is a bigot and a bully, and her fear and dislike of him are palpable.
I feel I should point out that Justin and Abby spend much of the first part of the book meeting only occasionally, which perhaps some readers may find frustrating. But to my mind, this is no bad thing; not only does it make those scenes when they are together that much more satisfying, it also adds to the realism of the story. Justin is, after all, a serving officer in His Majesty’s army with duties to perform, not a gentleman of leisure who is able to devote what time he wishes to his own pursuits. And Abby, who is just eighteen at the beginning of the story, lives in a strict Puritan household under the watchful eye of her fanatical brother and has to work for her living.
The slow pacing of the romance within the novel also allows the reader time to become well acquainted with the characters, and gives a more realistic time-frame for Abby to grow from the rather downtrodden and self-effacing girl she is at the beginning into the woman who is confident enough to defy her brother and to pursue the life (and love) she wants later in the book. This is no overnight transformation – it’s gradual, as with Justin’s encouragement, Abby begins to realise her inner courage and strength.
We also need plenty of time to get to know Justin Ambrose. He’s a very complex character, and there are times when he is not especially likeable – indeed, in the hands of a less skillful author, he could have turned out to be a rather unappealing hero. At the beginning of the story we learn he’s been posted to Banbury for making an unguarded remark about one of the King’s favourites; and as an ambitious, trained field officer, the last thing he wants is to be kicking his heels somewhere with no prospect of action. He hates it, but his sense of self-respect won’t permit him to petition for a more attractive posting elsewhere, and his frustration often leads to a rather caustic manner. But he’s an excellent officer, and, to paraphrase his own words, if there’s a job to be done, he does it; which means that he can be ruthless, authoritarian and manipulative. He’s got an unpredictable temper, an acerbic tongue and frequently displays a tendency towards self-destruction. But as we move through the story, it becomes clear that there is much more to him than meets the eye, and that there is something buried in his past which has hurt him deeply. He’s sexy-as-sin, clever, witty and capable of great kindness; honourable and loyal to a fault, his men would do anything for him and they know he would do the same for them. Yet ironically, it’s that very strong sense of honour that threatens to deprive him of the thing he wants most in the world.
In short, Justin is utterly compelling, and the extra time devoted to getting to know him is time very well spent.
The romance is beautiful, unfolding gradually and thus feeling all the more plausible for it. Justin is not at all interested in Abby at the outset, although his innate courtesy leads him to help her on more than one occasion. She is dazzled by him, not having had a great deal of contact with men of any sort, let alone someone as worldly as the Captain, but expects to have very little to do with him.
Once the siege is over however, the growing friendship between the pair begins to take centre stage. Although his initial intention is to incite some feelings of rebellion in Abby as a means of getting one over on her brother, Justin comes to realise that in her, he has found someone who offers understanding and comfort while asking nothing in return; and at the same time, he is both broadening her horizons and fostering her growing self-confidence.
As their relationship progresses, the undercurrent of sexual tension and attraction between them that has been simmering throughout most of the story begins to escalate until, when they are faced with an almost intolerable situation, it reaches boiling point. I always enjoy reading novels in which the author creates and sustains a high level of romantic and sexual tension; and here, Stella Riley proves once again that a romance doesn’t need lots of sex in order to be steamy. There are a couple of love scenes which are both romantic and sexy – but not overly explicit, and none the worse for it.
As with all of the novels I’ve read by this author, there is also a well-rounded out cast of supporting characters, including Samuel, Abby’s younger and idealistic brother; Rachel, her repressive, puritanical sister-in-law; Ned Frost, one of Justin’s lieutenants and Nancy Lucas, the tart with a heart of gold(!) There are sub-plots concerning spies, familial rivalries and a massive crisis of conscience for Justin, which almost costs him and Abby everything they’ve come to hold so dear.
But ultimately, this is the true story of an act of defiance on the part of a garrison of around three-hundred-and-fifty which held out against an opponent ten times its size; and of a fictional one which enables a young woman to break free from the bonds of duty and fear in order to find love.
A Splendid Defiance is every bit as enthralling and emotionally powerful as it was when I first read it; a truly wonderful, beautifully written and characterised novel in which all the different plot strands are masterfully woven together to produce a story full of adventure, courage, honour and love. If you’re looking for a gripping story, richly described historical detail and an against-all-odds romance that features a flawed, brooding, devastatingly attractive and unforgettable hero, then this is definitely the book for you.
Also at Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers.
A Splendid Defiance is one of those books that’s stayed with me in the almost thirty years since I first read it. It’s a wonderful blend of history and romance, set in the latter part of the English Civil War, and takes place mostly in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire. Although the town itself was staunchly Parliamentarian, the castle was captured by the Royalists in 1642 and remained a Royalist stronghold until 1646.
The stage is therefore set for a good, meaty tale of how a small but determined garrison managed to defend a strategically important position in an overwhelmingly hostile environment; and later, for a Romeo and Juliet style romance - although in this case, instead of Montagus and Capulets we have Cavaliers and Roundheads as Justin Ambrose, a Captain in the Royalist army meets and eventually falls for Abigail Radford, whose brother, Jonas is a local well-to-do merchant and tyrannical, die-hard Puritan.
The first chapters of the book deal with the first siege of Banbury castle by the Parliamentarian forces under the command of John Fiennes. The historical detail is impeccably researched and the life of the castle and the people inside it is described so vividly that the reader feels part of it.
Sir Will Compton, the young commander of the castle actually existed as did Hugh Vaughan, John Lilburne and a number of the other characters we meet in the book (there is a short author’s note at the end telling us who’s who) and they are all seamlessly integrated with Stella Riley’s own fictional creations.
The picture she paints of Abby’s life under her brother’s joyless roof is similarly authentic. As a woman, Abby knows she has no control over her own future or any real choices in life; even the decision whether or not she will marry will be Jonas’. He is a bigot and a bully, and her fear and dislike of him are palpable.
I feel I should point out that Justin and Abby spend much of the first part of the book meeting only occasionally, which perhaps some readers may find frustrating. But to my mind, this is no bad thing; not only does it make those scenes when they are together that much more satisfying, it also adds to the realism of the story. Justin is, after all, a serving officer in His Majesty’s army with duties to perform, not a gentleman of leisure who is able to devote what time he wishes to his own pursuits. And Abby, who is just eighteen at the beginning of the story, lives in a strict Puritan household under the watchful eye of her fanatical brother and has to work for her living.
The slow pacing of the romance within the novel also allows the reader time to become well acquainted with the characters, and gives a more realistic time-frame for Abby to grow from the rather downtrodden and self-effacing girl she is at the beginning into the woman who is confident enough to defy her brother and to pursue the life (and love) she wants later in the book. This is no overnight transformation – it’s gradual, as with Justin’s encouragement, Abby begins to realise her inner courage and strength.
We also need plenty of time to get to know Justin Ambrose. He’s a very complex character, and there are times when he is not especially likeable – indeed, in the hands of a less skillful author, he could have turned out to be a rather unappealing hero. At the beginning of the story we learn he’s been posted to Banbury for making an unguarded remark about one of the King’s favourites; and as an ambitious, trained field officer, the last thing he wants is to be kicking his heels somewhere with no prospect of action. He hates it, but his sense of self-respect won’t permit him to petition for a more attractive posting elsewhere, and his frustration often leads to a rather caustic manner. But he’s an excellent officer, and, to paraphrase his own words, if there’s a job to be done, he does it; which means that he can be ruthless, authoritarian and manipulative. He’s got an unpredictable temper, an acerbic tongue and frequently displays a tendency towards self-destruction. But as we move through the story, it becomes clear that there is much more to him than meets the eye, and that there is something buried in his past which has hurt him deeply. He’s sexy-as-sin, clever, witty and capable of great kindness; honourable and loyal to a fault, his men would do anything for him and they know he would do the same for them. Yet ironically, it’s that very strong sense of honour that threatens to deprive him of the thing he wants most in the world.
In short, Justin is utterly compelling, and the extra time devoted to getting to know him is time very well spent.
The romance is beautiful, unfolding gradually and thus feeling all the more plausible for it. Justin is not at all interested in Abby at the outset, although his innate courtesy leads him to help her on more than one occasion. She is dazzled by him, not having had a great deal of contact with men of any sort, let alone someone as worldly as the Captain, but expects to have very little to do with him.
Once the siege is over however, the growing friendship between the pair begins to take centre stage. Although his initial intention is to incite some feelings of rebellion in Abby as a means of getting one over on her brother, Justin comes to realise that in her, he has found someone who offers understanding and comfort while asking nothing in return; and at the same time, he is both broadening her horizons and fostering her growing self-confidence.
As their relationship progresses, the undercurrent of sexual tension and attraction between them that has been simmering throughout most of the story begins to escalate until, when they are faced with an almost intolerable situation, it reaches boiling point. I always enjoy reading novels in which the author creates and sustains a high level of romantic and sexual tension; and here, Stella Riley proves once again that a romance doesn’t need lots of sex in order to be steamy. There are a couple of love scenes which are both romantic and sexy – but not overly explicit, and none the worse for it.
As with all of the novels I’ve read by this author, there is also a well-rounded out cast of supporting characters, including Samuel, Abby’s younger and idealistic brother; Rachel, her repressive, puritanical sister-in-law; Ned Frost, one of Justin’s lieutenants and Nancy Lucas, the tart with a heart of gold(!) There are sub-plots concerning spies, familial rivalries and a massive crisis of conscience for Justin, which almost costs him and Abby everything they’ve come to hold so dear.
But ultimately, this is the true story of an act of defiance on the part of a garrison of around three-hundred-and-fifty which held out against an opponent ten times its size; and of a fictional one which enables a young woman to break free from the bonds of duty and fear in order to find love.
A Splendid Defiance is every bit as enthralling and emotionally powerful as it was when I first read it; a truly wonderful, beautifully written and characterised novel in which all the different plot strands are masterfully woven together to produce a story full of adventure, courage, honour and love. If you’re looking for a gripping story, richly described historical detail and an against-all-odds romance that features a flawed, brooding, devastatingly attractive and unforgettable hero, then this is definitely the book for you.
Also at Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers.
July 26, 2023
5 Stars because It’s My Favourite.
July 2023 Update: nothing will ever change my mind about this book. It’s so incredible.
April 2021 Update: it is still perfect.
Writing a review for one's all-time favourite Historical Romance/Fiction novel is a very difficult task, but I thought I owed it Justin & Abby. Plus, I just hope someone else will read it and love it as much as I do.
I really cannot pinpoint wherein lies the precise magic of Stella Riley's A Splendid Defiance that causes my eyes prick and my heart to clench in bittersweet longing when that last line comes. Maybe it is the context, the characters, or the writing style. It's likely a blend of every word and moment--regardless, it is, in my opinion, a perfect book. It was my first Riley novel, and now being a devoted Riley fan I know it is a story she holds very dear to her. When you read this, and her subsequent works, it isn't difficult to see why. There is something uniquely earnest about this love story, and I think even decades after it's initial publication it stands the test of time. Where lots of HR books don't age well, this one stands out as a shimmering gem amongst increasingly trite genre tropes (deliciously trite, but trite nonetheless).
If you are a history enthusiast (by virtue of profession, like me, or simply because you are) then this is a meticulously researched novel exploring the lives of Royalists and Parliamentarians during the tumultuous English Civil Wars. To me, this book is that but also a wonderful case study of choosing to love in the face of adversity. Riley creates two wonderfully opposite characters: Justin Ambrose is surly, bitter, and lonely; Abigail Radford is sweet, warm, and opressed. Where Justin is severely beautiful, Abigail is quietly pretty. Where Justin is a staunch Royalist captain, Abigail knows nothing else but her Puritanical Banbury. And yet, over the course of a year and a half they come to understand, befriend, and eventually love one another with such fierceness it practically burns on the page (or in the ear, if you listen to the Audiobook).
The secondary and tertiary characters equally burst with vibrancy: Jonas and his religious zeal; the effervescent Lucy and Ned; the vulgar whore Nancy with her heart of gold; Hugh and his melodic Welshness; the tall and enigmatic Prince Rupert of the Rhine; passionate, bright Samuel and his passion for political revolution. There are quotes and quotes and quotes I can think of that make my heart-ache. Every scene exists as if shot on camera in my mind, it is so exquisitely drawn and while the story is a simple, slow-burn it resonates with truth and authenticity. It’s one of those books that feels as if it was belongs in amongst classics or was plucked from a some historical account of the 17th century. Suffice it to say, A Splendid Defiance is a no less than a carefully paced, lyrically written masterpiece. It is the kind of love story many HR readers crave but rarely find so expertly delivered.
To say I recommend this book is a moderate understatement. I have read this over ten times, and shudder to think of how many times I’ve listened to the audiobook (probably nearing 20x). I recently gave a copy to my mother with a page letter encouraging her to read it (she listens to me reference it often enough, really she should have done already). My husband not only has to listen to me quote the book, but listen to Alex Wyndham's narration at least once a month--not that he complains, he admittedly loves this book.
So I'll just say: 5 Stars--no, 100 stars! Give Stella your money. Read this book. Give it a chance. Learn about 17th century England while you are at it. I think you will love it and undoudbtely you will love Stella Riley too.
July 2023 Update: nothing will ever change my mind about this book. It’s so incredible.
April 2021 Update: it is still perfect.
Writing a review for one's all-time favourite Historical Romance/Fiction novel is a very difficult task, but I thought I owed it Justin & Abby. Plus, I just hope someone else will read it and love it as much as I do.
I really cannot pinpoint wherein lies the precise magic of Stella Riley's A Splendid Defiance that causes my eyes prick and my heart to clench in bittersweet longing when that last line comes. Maybe it is the context, the characters, or the writing style. It's likely a blend of every word and moment--regardless, it is, in my opinion, a perfect book. It was my first Riley novel, and now being a devoted Riley fan I know it is a story she holds very dear to her. When you read this, and her subsequent works, it isn't difficult to see why. There is something uniquely earnest about this love story, and I think even decades after it's initial publication it stands the test of time. Where lots of HR books don't age well, this one stands out as a shimmering gem amongst increasingly trite genre tropes (deliciously trite, but trite nonetheless).
If you are a history enthusiast (by virtue of profession, like me, or simply because you are) then this is a meticulously researched novel exploring the lives of Royalists and Parliamentarians during the tumultuous English Civil Wars. To me, this book is that but also a wonderful case study of choosing to love in the face of adversity. Riley creates two wonderfully opposite characters: Justin Ambrose is surly, bitter, and lonely; Abigail Radford is sweet, warm, and opressed. Where Justin is severely beautiful, Abigail is quietly pretty. Where Justin is a staunch Royalist captain, Abigail knows nothing else but her Puritanical Banbury. And yet, over the course of a year and a half they come to understand, befriend, and eventually love one another with such fierceness it practically burns on the page (or in the ear, if you listen to the Audiobook).
The secondary and tertiary characters equally burst with vibrancy: Jonas and his religious zeal; the effervescent Lucy and Ned; the vulgar whore Nancy with her heart of gold; Hugh and his melodic Welshness; the tall and enigmatic Prince Rupert of the Rhine; passionate, bright Samuel and his passion for political revolution. There are quotes and quotes and quotes I can think of that make my heart-ache. Every scene exists as if shot on camera in my mind, it is so exquisitely drawn and while the story is a simple, slow-burn it resonates with truth and authenticity. It’s one of those books that feels as if it was belongs in amongst classics or was plucked from a some historical account of the 17th century. Suffice it to say, A Splendid Defiance is a no less than a carefully paced, lyrically written masterpiece. It is the kind of love story many HR readers crave but rarely find so expertly delivered.
To say I recommend this book is a moderate understatement. I have read this over ten times, and shudder to think of how many times I’ve listened to the audiobook (probably nearing 20x). I recently gave a copy to my mother with a page letter encouraging her to read it (she listens to me reference it often enough, really she should have done already). My husband not only has to listen to me quote the book, but listen to Alex Wyndham's narration at least once a month--not that he complains, he admittedly loves this book.
So I'll just say: 5 Stars--no, 100 stars! Give Stella your money. Read this book. Give it a chance. Learn about 17th century England while you are at it. I think you will love it and undoudbtely you will love Stella Riley too.
June 25, 2018
Beautifully written, but I found the romance part lacking.
The story is much more oriented toward the history of the English Civil war and the love story between Abby, a Puritan girl, and Justin a Royalist captain, is just and afterthought.
I like it but as a historical fiction, not as a historical romance.
The story is much more oriented toward the history of the English Civil war and the love story between Abby, a Puritan girl, and Justin a Royalist captain, is just and afterthought.
I like it but as a historical fiction, not as a historical romance.
December 15, 2015
Those afflicted by an allergy to fangirlism, look the other way. Those who aren’t, keep reading.
The first round of three in the English Civil War is raging on, and the Parliamentarian army is attempting to overpower a redoubtable Royalist castle garrison resisting in the town of Banbury, one of whose officers is our hero, Captain Justin Ambrose.
Yes, until a better option appears, Fassbender is going to be my headcanon, whether he wills it or no.
Where was I? Yes, so our hero enters the stage by rescuing shy and plain Abigail Radford, that’s been cornered in the street and is being molested by two of his rowdy and very drunk troopers. He barely notices her long enough to accept her thanks and make a sarcastic double-entendre remark on the name of the street where she’s supposed to be going on an errand, and it isn’t after further meetings that he and the girl, whom he knows now for a Puritan and a sister to the town’s obnoxiously domineering and Scripture-thumping mercer, begin a friendship that at first is, on his side, driven by the mischievous desire to needle her ultra-religious brother out of his mind with his mere presence as much as to loosen the suffocating iron grip with which he pulls his young sister’s strings and smothers every ounce of gaiety out of her. But, ah, there’s always something to blow the best of plans up, isn’t there? And this has the collateral effect that his natural protectiveness of her starts to evolve into the famous feelings of the sort he doesn’t want to harbour.
Outwardly unremarkable Abby might be, but she’s also sweet and caring and full of a vitality that’s at odds with her brother’s ways. But she’s also, you know, from the other side of the conflict. And Justin Ambrose isn’t just a Royalist of Prince Rupert of the Rhine’s intimate circle but is also keeping a secret that’s likely to cause more trouble than he cares for. And, in addition, there’s the war, that leaves very little to hope for future-wise for those on the Captain’s side, of which he’s aware. What he’s not aware of, but will a bit late, is that his association with the cloth shopkeeper girl is detrimental to her standing in the town. Of course, how not? She’s a young Puritan, home-bound, forbidden to have male friendships, goes out little, is unmarried, has never been courted, et cetera. And with his reputation with the ladies, his looks, and being of the hated Cavaliers, the field is ripe for the seeds of scandal to grow. There are consequences, as she is labelled as little more than a whore for the man her brother sees as the Devil’s own.
This Puritan-Cavalier/Royalist-Parliamentarian combination isn’t new to me, although it’s a rare plot and setting for historical fiction. What made this appealing to me in particular was the slow-burning nature of the story; I am not a fan of extremes in which a couple come together either too early in page 20 or too late in page 699, but if I am given a choice I will always choose the late option. With a caveat that I prefer not to discuss here, so as not to take a detour. It does take time for them to come together, it’s true, and there’s plenty of stuff happening that it doesn’t feel like it’s being delayed unnecessarily and since it’s more of a “growing in love” than a “falling in love” story, it’s nice to get to witness live and on the air, so to speak, how it develops across a reasonably long timespan. It feels truer to real life, that there’s no lust at first sight and feelings don’t change suddenly. And the battles, the raids, the sorties, the siege provide plenty of background happenings to move the story round. Both Justin and Abigail have their own side plots before the coming together and sharing the final track of the path. That, and Ms Riley’s writing made it for me, and I haven’t felt the slowness that probably others would have. I have no complaints about the pace at all, for me it worked smoothly and conjoined with what I just mentioned, it felt more like mainstream HF due to the historical narrative details included.
There’s really little here in need of improvement, but if there’d be one thing that should’ve been worked on more, it’d be the tugging back and forth between the characters near the end, which thankfully was brief and not overdone as usually happens; this is one particular dislike of mine that often ruins a plot for me. There are more things to like, however. The characterisation, for one. Justin is dreamy! Without extremes, same as Abby. Heavens know how tiresome the rakehell male leads can turn out if poorly constructed, no matter how good the plot. I’ve always argued that it’s characterisation what can make or unmake a romantic storyline, because plots themselves tend to follow a basic and easily recognisable framework. So I was glad to see that Riley is pretty solid on this aspect. And as I enjoy a good action yarn as much as I enjoy intimate stories, I liked that there are scenes in this novel that satisfied my cravings for a little . . . er, blood ‘n guts. Like the first and second sieges of Banbury, the fistfight, the brotherly duel. The secondary characters are another plus, with Justin’s fellow officers and Prince Rupert as the highlights, though they don’t have as much onpage time as I’d have liked. And the ending . . . I better not mention that for fear of spoiling it.
And I, uh, finally surrender and am creating the shelf I’d been so reluctant to create. Why not, this is a fine novel to start it with: overall, fairly balanced history, action, and romance. What more can a girl want?
The first round of three in the English Civil War is raging on, and the Parliamentarian army is attempting to overpower a redoubtable Royalist castle garrison resisting in the town of Banbury, one of whose officers is our hero, Captain Justin Ambrose.
Yes, until a better option appears, Fassbender is going to be my headcanon, whether he wills it or no.
Where was I? Yes, so our hero enters the stage by rescuing shy and plain Abigail Radford, that’s been cornered in the street and is being molested by two of his rowdy and very drunk troopers. He barely notices her long enough to accept her thanks and make a sarcastic double-entendre remark on the name of the street where she’s supposed to be going on an errand, and it isn’t after further meetings that he and the girl, whom he knows now for a Puritan and a sister to the town’s obnoxiously domineering and Scripture-thumping mercer, begin a friendship that at first is, on his side, driven by the mischievous desire to needle her ultra-religious brother out of his mind with his mere presence as much as to loosen the suffocating iron grip with which he pulls his young sister’s strings and smothers every ounce of gaiety out of her. But, ah, there’s always something to blow the best of plans up, isn’t there? And this has the collateral effect that his natural protectiveness of her starts to evolve into the famous feelings of the sort he doesn’t want to harbour.
Outwardly unremarkable Abby might be, but she’s also sweet and caring and full of a vitality that’s at odds with her brother’s ways. But she’s also, you know, from the other side of the conflict. And Justin Ambrose isn’t just a Royalist of Prince Rupert of the Rhine’s intimate circle but is also keeping a secret that’s likely to cause more trouble than he cares for. And, in addition, there’s the war, that leaves very little to hope for future-wise for those on the Captain’s side, of which he’s aware. What he’s not aware of, but will a bit late, is that his association with the cloth shopkeeper girl is detrimental to her standing in the town. Of course, how not? She’s a young Puritan, home-bound, forbidden to have male friendships, goes out little, is unmarried, has never been courted, et cetera. And with his reputation with the ladies, his looks, and being of the hated Cavaliers, the field is ripe for the seeds of scandal to grow. There are consequences, as she is labelled as little more than a whore for the man her brother sees as the Devil’s own.
This Puritan-Cavalier/Royalist-Parliamentarian combination isn’t new to me, although it’s a rare plot and setting for historical fiction. What made this appealing to me in particular was the slow-burning nature of the story; I am not a fan of extremes in which a couple come together either too early in page 20 or too late in page 699, but if I am given a choice I will always choose the late option. With a caveat that I prefer not to discuss here, so as not to take a detour. It does take time for them to come together, it’s true, and there’s plenty of stuff happening that it doesn’t feel like it’s being delayed unnecessarily and since it’s more of a “growing in love” than a “falling in love” story, it’s nice to get to witness live and on the air, so to speak, how it develops across a reasonably long timespan. It feels truer to real life, that there’s no lust at first sight and feelings don’t change suddenly. And the battles, the raids, the sorties, the siege provide plenty of background happenings to move the story round. Both Justin and Abigail have their own side plots before the coming together and sharing the final track of the path. That, and Ms Riley’s writing made it for me, and I haven’t felt the slowness that probably others would have. I have no complaints about the pace at all, for me it worked smoothly and conjoined with what I just mentioned, it felt more like mainstream HF due to the historical narrative details included.
There’s really little here in need of improvement, but if there’d be one thing that should’ve been worked on more, it’d be the tugging back and forth between the characters near the end, which thankfully was brief and not overdone as usually happens; this is one particular dislike of mine that often ruins a plot for me. There are more things to like, however. The characterisation, for one. Justin is dreamy! Without extremes, same as Abby. Heavens know how tiresome the rakehell male leads can turn out if poorly constructed, no matter how good the plot. I’ve always argued that it’s characterisation what can make or unmake a romantic storyline, because plots themselves tend to follow a basic and easily recognisable framework. So I was glad to see that Riley is pretty solid on this aspect. And as I enjoy a good action yarn as much as I enjoy intimate stories, I liked that there are scenes in this novel that satisfied my cravings for a little . . . er, blood ‘n guts. Like the first and second sieges of Banbury, the fistfight, the brotherly duel. The secondary characters are another plus, with Justin’s fellow officers and Prince Rupert as the highlights, though they don’t have as much onpage time as I’d have liked. And the ending . . . I better not mention that for fear of spoiling it.
And I, uh, finally surrender and am creating the shelf I’d been so reluctant to create. Why not, this is a fine novel to start it with: overall, fairly balanced history, action, and romance. What more can a girl want?
October 10, 2021
STELLAR 5 STARS
Since reading her fabulous Rockliffe series, Stella Riley has become one of my top favourite authors and it’s no surprise that I was eager to read more of her books.
In A Splendid Defiance , set during The English Civil Wars between the Royalists (Cavaliers) and the Parliamentarians (Roundheads), Ms. Riley weaves a wonderful story of love blossoming between a sarcastic, cynical Royalist captain and a young, innocent Puritan girl.
The story takes place in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire where, while the town itself overwhelmingly supports the Parliamentarians, Banbury Castle is held by a small garrison of 360 Royalists, including Captain Justin Ambrose. One of Prince Rupert’s top cavalry officers, Justin has been ‘exiled’ to Banbury Castle as punishment for criticising a Royal favourite. He deeply resents not being in the thick of the action, which often makes him short-tempered and sarcastic.
The war was being won or lost elsewhere while Justin dealt in bread and coin and barrels of powder; a merchant, a carrier and sometimes a thief –but only infrequently a soldier.
However, he’s honourable, loyal and trustworthy with a deep sense of duty. Secretive about his past, it becomes evident, during the course of the story, that something happened that hurt him deeply.
Abigail (Abby) Radford lives a joyless existence. Every aspect of her life is controlled by her fanatically religious, older brother Jonas, even to choosing the man she will marry – a man who makes her skin crawl. She is constantly criticised and lectured by Jonas’ overbearing wife, Rachel.
‘Well? What are you waiting for? There’s the table to be set for supper and Betty to be watched if she is not to burn the meat. Do I have to tell you everything?’
Her only friend is her younger brother, Samuel (Sam), who has always been her closest companion.
I love how Ms. Riley takes the time to build the romance between Justin and Abigail showing the gradual changes in their relationship and making their falling in love seem natural and believable. There is no great spark when they first meet; Justin treats her with polite indifference and Abigail has no wish to linger with this shameless Cavalier. Gradually an unlikely friendship develops between them and they meet secretly once a week. I like how they talk and enjoy each other’s company but there is a growing sense that this is more than just friendship, and I could feel the deep attraction and growing sexual tension between them.
Initially, Justin’s motive is to encourage Abigail in small acts of defiance against Jonas whom he dislikes intensely but…
…their Tuesdays had become a part of his life –a part he looked forward to –and he didn’t want them to end.
Strong emotions have never been part of his life, but he finds he has a compulsion to protect Abigail and the thought of her being hurt by her bully of a brother is unbearable.
In her earlier meetings with Justin, Abigail sees beyond the irascibility and cursing to a man who is kind, trustworthy and makes her feel safe. He is also attractive, witty and very sexy, a combination any woman would find hard to resist.
He was attractive and dangerous and he had the power to completely shatter her peace of mind.
It’s a journey of self-discovery for both of them. Justin shows Abigail a world beyond the rigid confines of a life controlled by her brother and gives her the courage to defy him and pursue her own life. Even if she never experiences it again, she has known what love feels like.
Abigail has given Justin – the kind of peace and warmth he had not known in twenty years and had not thought he needed. But she had shown him the myth of that.
It is difficult to see how they can ever find happiness when so much conspires against them -the war and its aftermath, Jonas’ religious zeal, and a dark secret from Jonas’ past that threatens Abigail’s life. There is a heart-breaking scene where it seems that their happiness hangs in the balance until Justin realises…
However honourable, sensible or right, he could not bring himself to part with the only good thing life had brought him in a decade; a warm, beautiful girl who, incredibly it seemed, wanted nothing but him and who he loved beyond anything he had ever imagined.
This is a wonderful blend of history and romance and Ms. Riley’s extensive research is evident in the realism she brings to the story. I felt as if I was there in Banbury, experiencing the emotions of the townspeople and what it was like to be one of the defenders in the besieged castle.
Fire-hooks and buckets!’ he yelled. ‘If the next one hits, it could –’
‘I know.’ Justin gestured curtly to where his troopers were already drenching the thatch of the outbuildings. ‘But I’ll wager a bottle of claret that the next one is –’ His words were drowned by a whining crescendo that culminated in a deafening, earth-shaking blast.
Many of the secondary characters really existed but the fictional characters are so well drawn that it was difficult to distinguish the real from the fictional.
MY VERDICT: A beautifully written romance, rich in historical details, with an engrossing story and fascinating characters. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Since reading her fabulous Rockliffe series, Stella Riley has become one of my top favourite authors and it’s no surprise that I was eager to read more of her books.
In A Splendid Defiance , set during The English Civil Wars between the Royalists (Cavaliers) and the Parliamentarians (Roundheads), Ms. Riley weaves a wonderful story of love blossoming between a sarcastic, cynical Royalist captain and a young, innocent Puritan girl.
The story takes place in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire where, while the town itself overwhelmingly supports the Parliamentarians, Banbury Castle is held by a small garrison of 360 Royalists, including Captain Justin Ambrose. One of Prince Rupert’s top cavalry officers, Justin has been ‘exiled’ to Banbury Castle as punishment for criticising a Royal favourite. He deeply resents not being in the thick of the action, which often makes him short-tempered and sarcastic.
The war was being won or lost elsewhere while Justin dealt in bread and coin and barrels of powder; a merchant, a carrier and sometimes a thief –but only infrequently a soldier.
However, he’s honourable, loyal and trustworthy with a deep sense of duty. Secretive about his past, it becomes evident, during the course of the story, that something happened that hurt him deeply.
Abigail (Abby) Radford lives a joyless existence. Every aspect of her life is controlled by her fanatically religious, older brother Jonas, even to choosing the man she will marry – a man who makes her skin crawl. She is constantly criticised and lectured by Jonas’ overbearing wife, Rachel.
‘Well? What are you waiting for? There’s the table to be set for supper and Betty to be watched if she is not to burn the meat. Do I have to tell you everything?’
Her only friend is her younger brother, Samuel (Sam), who has always been her closest companion.
I love how Ms. Riley takes the time to build the romance between Justin and Abigail showing the gradual changes in their relationship and making their falling in love seem natural and believable. There is no great spark when they first meet; Justin treats her with polite indifference and Abigail has no wish to linger with this shameless Cavalier. Gradually an unlikely friendship develops between them and they meet secretly once a week. I like how they talk and enjoy each other’s company but there is a growing sense that this is more than just friendship, and I could feel the deep attraction and growing sexual tension between them.
Initially, Justin’s motive is to encourage Abigail in small acts of defiance against Jonas whom he dislikes intensely but…
…their Tuesdays had become a part of his life –a part he looked forward to –and he didn’t want them to end.
Strong emotions have never been part of his life, but he finds he has a compulsion to protect Abigail and the thought of her being hurt by her bully of a brother is unbearable.
In her earlier meetings with Justin, Abigail sees beyond the irascibility and cursing to a man who is kind, trustworthy and makes her feel safe. He is also attractive, witty and very sexy, a combination any woman would find hard to resist.
He was attractive and dangerous and he had the power to completely shatter her peace of mind.
It’s a journey of self-discovery for both of them. Justin shows Abigail a world beyond the rigid confines of a life controlled by her brother and gives her the courage to defy him and pursue her own life. Even if she never experiences it again, she has known what love feels like.
Abigail has given Justin – the kind of peace and warmth he had not known in twenty years and had not thought he needed. But she had shown him the myth of that.
It is difficult to see how they can ever find happiness when so much conspires against them -the war and its aftermath, Jonas’ religious zeal, and a dark secret from Jonas’ past that threatens Abigail’s life. There is a heart-breaking scene where it seems that their happiness hangs in the balance until Justin realises…
However honourable, sensible or right, he could not bring himself to part with the only good thing life had brought him in a decade; a warm, beautiful girl who, incredibly it seemed, wanted nothing but him and who he loved beyond anything he had ever imagined.
This is a wonderful blend of history and romance and Ms. Riley’s extensive research is evident in the realism she brings to the story. I felt as if I was there in Banbury, experiencing the emotions of the townspeople and what it was like to be one of the defenders in the besieged castle.
Fire-hooks and buckets!’ he yelled. ‘If the next one hits, it could –’
‘I know.’ Justin gestured curtly to where his troopers were already drenching the thatch of the outbuildings. ‘But I’ll wager a bottle of claret that the next one is –’ His words were drowned by a whining crescendo that culminated in a deafening, earth-shaking blast.
Many of the secondary characters really existed but the fictional characters are so well drawn that it was difficult to distinguish the real from the fictional.
MY VERDICT: A beautifully written romance, rich in historical details, with an engrossing story and fascinating characters. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
November 5, 2015
It's 1644 and Royalist Cavalier Justin Ambrose has been relegated to duty at the soon-to-be-besieged Banbury Castle. While the Royalists hold the castle for the King the townspeople are solidly Puritan, including Abigail (Abby) Radford. Although Justin originally thinks of Abby in a sisterly fashion, their friendship eventually blossoms into something more as England's Civil War rages around them. Outside forces threaten to part them forever, including the religious fervor of Abby's brother and a dark secret from Justin's past. Will Justin be able to set aside his past and declare his love for Abby? Is Abby willing to be the wife of a mercenary soldier traveling from camp to camp? Can Abby escape her zealot brother's attempts to marry her to a depraved monster?
Inquiring minds want to know but I'm not telling. This was a very sweet tale (loved the ending!) of two fictional characters set into actual historical events, as they are caught up in the midst of a country and people at war with each other. There's plenty of action, treachery, passion, a Parliamentarian spy with a knack for poison as well as sparks flying between Justin and Abby (although it's very clean) and I had a hard time putting this one down - and oooh I want a Justin for my very own. What a man. The only caution I'd give if you're new to this period and not very familiar with the history I'd read a few other books first so you're more grounded on the period - Pamela Belle's Wintercombe series is a great start.
Riley's books are very rare and horrendously expensive, but I'm glad I was able to snatch up a copy reasonably cheap (also got even better luck on Garland of Straw). I originally tried for an ILL and received a note that there was one library left to ask but they would be asking for a $15 service charge. I poked around the UK used sellers and got lucky so don't give up hope - keep scouring those used book stores and library sales. Four stars.
Inquiring minds want to know but I'm not telling. This was a very sweet tale (loved the ending!) of two fictional characters set into actual historical events, as they are caught up in the midst of a country and people at war with each other. There's plenty of action, treachery, passion, a Parliamentarian spy with a knack for poison as well as sparks flying between Justin and Abby (although it's very clean) and I had a hard time putting this one down - and oooh I want a Justin for my very own. What a man. The only caution I'd give if you're new to this period and not very familiar with the history I'd read a few other books first so you're more grounded on the period - Pamela Belle's Wintercombe series is a great start.
Riley's books are very rare and horrendously expensive, but I'm glad I was able to snatch up a copy reasonably cheap (also got even better luck on Garland of Straw). I originally tried for an ILL and received a note that there was one library left to ask but they would be asking for a $15 service charge. I poked around the UK used sellers and got lucky so don't give up hope - keep scouring those used book stores and library sales. Four stars.
July 6, 2024
I've given this As for both narration and content at AudioGals.
Anyone who – like me – appreciates Historical Romance that has a firm emphasis on the “Historical” will find a great many things to enjoy in this new audiobook version of Stella Riley’s A Splendid Defiance. Set during the turbulent years of the English Civil War, the novel tells the true story of the small garrison of around three hundred and fifty men who held the strategically important Royalist stronghold of Banbury Castle in Oxfordshire in the face of overwhelming odds, and many of the characters who grace its pages are people who actually existed.
Skilfully interwoven with the story of the castle and its defenders is the glorious (but fictional) slow-burn romance between Justin Ambrose, a cynical, acerbic captain in the King’s army and Abigail Radford, whose brother, Jonas, is a leader of the local community and a die-hard Puritan. The romance starts very slowly – so anyone who expects the first kiss between the hero and heroine to happen in chapter three is going to be disappointed – but builds steadily throughout and is all the more believable as a result. Justin and Abigail begin the story as strangers and the author allows their relationship to develop in a manner that feels perfectly realistic, considering he’s a serving army officer with duties to perform and Abby lives a very restrictive life controlled by her harsh zealot of a brother.
Their first meeting is an inauspicious one, and takes place when Justin comes across a couple of his men – who are more than a little inebriated – trying to press their attentions on a young woman garbed in the severe style of a Puritan. He sends the men on their way, sees the girl safely home and thinks nothing more of it. Their next few meetings are equally brief, accidental and – for Justin – unmemorable, but things between them undergo a sea change after Justin is badly wounded while on a mission and Abigail, wanting to repay a kindness shown to her younger brother, Sam, insists on visiting and tending him.
As their friendship grows, Justin comes to realise that there is more to Abby than her dowdy clothing and self-effacing, dutiful manner would suggest, and decides to foster the spirit of rebellion he senses lies dormant beneath the surface. He asks her to meet with him in secret, well aware that his wish to spend time with her is born of his desire to get one over on Jonas; but it’s not long before he starts to enjoy her company for its own sake. Abby has lived a very sheltered life and is fascinated by Justin’s tales of his travels abroad, also displaying a keen intelligence when their talk turns to politics and the current state of the kingdom and the war. As the weeks pass, Justin comes to realise that in Abby, he has found someone who offers the sort of comfort and understanding he has not experienced since the death of his mother when he was a child. And Abby is blossoming before his very eyes; her horizons broadening, her confidence growing… and her feelings for Justin turning from dazzled infatuation with the only man ever to take an interest in her into a deep, abiding – and hopeless – love.
I first read A Splendid Defiance around thirty years ago when it was first published and it’s remained one of my favourite historical romances. I re-read it regularly and each time, I think – “surely it can’t be as good as I remember it” – and every time, I discover that it’s exactly that good. While the historical background is extremely well-researched and incorporated into the storyline, it’s the love story and the superb characterisation that bring me back to it time and time again.
The slow pacing of the romance within the overall context of the story allows listeners to become fully acquainted with both protagonists and provides a realistic time-frame for Abigail to grow from the timid, downtrodden girl we meet at the beginning into the young woman who is ready to defy her obnoxious brother in order to pursue the life – and love – she wants. It also affords plenty of time for the author to develop the undercurrents of romantic tension that have been steadily building between Justin and Abby, so that by the final section of the story they’ve reached boiling point. Ms Riley is one of those authors who has the knack of creating the most delicious sexual tension between her heroes and heroines, and who can do as much with a look or a touch as some authors can do with a full-blown sex scene. The love scenes in A Splendid Defiance aren’t very explicit, but they’re beautifully romantic and sensual – and worth waiting for.
But it’s Justin Ambrose who is the real star of the show, and if there’s anyone out there who has read the book and hasn’t finished up by being head-over-heels in love with him… well, I haven’t met them yet. He’s a complex, guarded man, and it’s clear that there’s something in his past that has hurt him deeply. He can be difficult to like at times, using his sardonic wit and sharp tongue to keep others at arm’s length; his temper is unpredictable and he has a bit of a self-destructive streak. But he’s also a man of integrity and honour with a great capacity for tenderness and compassion that he doesn’t often display. He’s a good soldier and an exceptional leader of men; and Ms. Riley doesn’t shy away from depicting some of the less pleasant aspects of his job. Because, as he says – “when something needs to be done, I do it.” The fact that he’s also sexy as hell doesn’t hurt, and I freely admit to being a complete sucker for a hero with a dark past and a tongue that can wound at twenty paces.
And added to all that, you have the superb narrating talent that is Alex Wyndham – and for anyone reading this who has already listened to him, I won’t need to say any more. But just in case there are fans of historical romance audiobooks out there who haven’t heard any of his other narrations, I’ll tell you why you’re missing out and should go and listen to him immediately.
It’s not just that he has a beautiful voice – although that’s perfectly true. He’s also extremely accomplished technically, and is a superb vocal actor; his pacing in both narrative and dialogue is excellent and he differentiates very effectively between characters, employing a variety of pitch, timbre, tone and accent according to the age, station and gender of whomever is speaking. A Splendid Defiance has quite a large number of male secondary characters, and every single one of them is distinguishable from the others; from Ned Frost’s youthful tenor to Jonas Radford’s blustering, Oxfordshire-accented bass and Hugh Vaughan’s Welsh lilt. It doesn’t matter whether the men are all in a scene together, or with just one other person; each of them is immediately identifiable, and because they’re so well characterised in both writing and performance, the listener always knows who is speaking. There are fewer female characters and other than Abigail, none of them get a great deal of “screen time”, but again, they’re easy to tell apart from one another. Jonas’ wife, Rachel, speaks with an audible sneer, Hannah Rhodes’ speech is characterised by a slow and deliberately seductiveness and Nancy –the tart with a heart (!) – is chipper and no-nonsense.
The character of Justin Ambrose does most of the heavy lifting in this story, so his portrayal was always going to be crucial to the success of the audiobook. Adopting a resonant baritone a tad deeper than his normal speaking voice, Mr. Wyndham somehow embodies all the complexities of the character, switching effortlessly between irascibility, tenderness, exasperation and humour – sometimes in a single speech. Through it all, there’s no question that this is a man accustomed to command and to getting things done. And he’s equally good in the more tender and romantic moments, when he imbues Justin’s words with a sonorous intimacy that might just have been a little bit knee-weakening at times ;)
It’s going to come as no surprise when I say that I’m recommending A Splendid Defiance wholeheartedly. If you’re looking for a richly detailed story, a beautifully developed romance and a compelling, devastatingly attractive and unforgettable hero, it’s all here. Throw in a marvellously nuanced performance by one of the best narrators around and you’ve got a listening experience to savour over and over again.
Anyone who – like me – appreciates Historical Romance that has a firm emphasis on the “Historical” will find a great many things to enjoy in this new audiobook version of Stella Riley’s A Splendid Defiance. Set during the turbulent years of the English Civil War, the novel tells the true story of the small garrison of around three hundred and fifty men who held the strategically important Royalist stronghold of Banbury Castle in Oxfordshire in the face of overwhelming odds, and many of the characters who grace its pages are people who actually existed.
Skilfully interwoven with the story of the castle and its defenders is the glorious (but fictional) slow-burn romance between Justin Ambrose, a cynical, acerbic captain in the King’s army and Abigail Radford, whose brother, Jonas, is a leader of the local community and a die-hard Puritan. The romance starts very slowly – so anyone who expects the first kiss between the hero and heroine to happen in chapter three is going to be disappointed – but builds steadily throughout and is all the more believable as a result. Justin and Abigail begin the story as strangers and the author allows their relationship to develop in a manner that feels perfectly realistic, considering he’s a serving army officer with duties to perform and Abby lives a very restrictive life controlled by her harsh zealot of a brother.
Their first meeting is an inauspicious one, and takes place when Justin comes across a couple of his men – who are more than a little inebriated – trying to press their attentions on a young woman garbed in the severe style of a Puritan. He sends the men on their way, sees the girl safely home and thinks nothing more of it. Their next few meetings are equally brief, accidental and – for Justin – unmemorable, but things between them undergo a sea change after Justin is badly wounded while on a mission and Abigail, wanting to repay a kindness shown to her younger brother, Sam, insists on visiting and tending him.
As their friendship grows, Justin comes to realise that there is more to Abby than her dowdy clothing and self-effacing, dutiful manner would suggest, and decides to foster the spirit of rebellion he senses lies dormant beneath the surface. He asks her to meet with him in secret, well aware that his wish to spend time with her is born of his desire to get one over on Jonas; but it’s not long before he starts to enjoy her company for its own sake. Abby has lived a very sheltered life and is fascinated by Justin’s tales of his travels abroad, also displaying a keen intelligence when their talk turns to politics and the current state of the kingdom and the war. As the weeks pass, Justin comes to realise that in Abby, he has found someone who offers the sort of comfort and understanding he has not experienced since the death of his mother when he was a child. And Abby is blossoming before his very eyes; her horizons broadening, her confidence growing… and her feelings for Justin turning from dazzled infatuation with the only man ever to take an interest in her into a deep, abiding – and hopeless – love.
I first read A Splendid Defiance around thirty years ago when it was first published and it’s remained one of my favourite historical romances. I re-read it regularly and each time, I think – “surely it can’t be as good as I remember it” – and every time, I discover that it’s exactly that good. While the historical background is extremely well-researched and incorporated into the storyline, it’s the love story and the superb characterisation that bring me back to it time and time again.
The slow pacing of the romance within the overall context of the story allows listeners to become fully acquainted with both protagonists and provides a realistic time-frame for Abigail to grow from the timid, downtrodden girl we meet at the beginning into the young woman who is ready to defy her obnoxious brother in order to pursue the life – and love – she wants. It also affords plenty of time for the author to develop the undercurrents of romantic tension that have been steadily building between Justin and Abby, so that by the final section of the story they’ve reached boiling point. Ms Riley is one of those authors who has the knack of creating the most delicious sexual tension between her heroes and heroines, and who can do as much with a look or a touch as some authors can do with a full-blown sex scene. The love scenes in A Splendid Defiance aren’t very explicit, but they’re beautifully romantic and sensual – and worth waiting for.
But it’s Justin Ambrose who is the real star of the show, and if there’s anyone out there who has read the book and hasn’t finished up by being head-over-heels in love with him… well, I haven’t met them yet. He’s a complex, guarded man, and it’s clear that there’s something in his past that has hurt him deeply. He can be difficult to like at times, using his sardonic wit and sharp tongue to keep others at arm’s length; his temper is unpredictable and he has a bit of a self-destructive streak. But he’s also a man of integrity and honour with a great capacity for tenderness and compassion that he doesn’t often display. He’s a good soldier and an exceptional leader of men; and Ms. Riley doesn’t shy away from depicting some of the less pleasant aspects of his job. Because, as he says – “when something needs to be done, I do it.” The fact that he’s also sexy as hell doesn’t hurt, and I freely admit to being a complete sucker for a hero with a dark past and a tongue that can wound at twenty paces.
And added to all that, you have the superb narrating talent that is Alex Wyndham – and for anyone reading this who has already listened to him, I won’t need to say any more. But just in case there are fans of historical romance audiobooks out there who haven’t heard any of his other narrations, I’ll tell you why you’re missing out and should go and listen to him immediately.
It’s not just that he has a beautiful voice – although that’s perfectly true. He’s also extremely accomplished technically, and is a superb vocal actor; his pacing in both narrative and dialogue is excellent and he differentiates very effectively between characters, employing a variety of pitch, timbre, tone and accent according to the age, station and gender of whomever is speaking. A Splendid Defiance has quite a large number of male secondary characters, and every single one of them is distinguishable from the others; from Ned Frost’s youthful tenor to Jonas Radford’s blustering, Oxfordshire-accented bass and Hugh Vaughan’s Welsh lilt. It doesn’t matter whether the men are all in a scene together, or with just one other person; each of them is immediately identifiable, and because they’re so well characterised in both writing and performance, the listener always knows who is speaking. There are fewer female characters and other than Abigail, none of them get a great deal of “screen time”, but again, they’re easy to tell apart from one another. Jonas’ wife, Rachel, speaks with an audible sneer, Hannah Rhodes’ speech is characterised by a slow and deliberately seductiveness and Nancy –the tart with a heart (!) – is chipper and no-nonsense.
The character of Justin Ambrose does most of the heavy lifting in this story, so his portrayal was always going to be crucial to the success of the audiobook. Adopting a resonant baritone a tad deeper than his normal speaking voice, Mr. Wyndham somehow embodies all the complexities of the character, switching effortlessly between irascibility, tenderness, exasperation and humour – sometimes in a single speech. Through it all, there’s no question that this is a man accustomed to command and to getting things done. And he’s equally good in the more tender and romantic moments, when he imbues Justin’s words with a sonorous intimacy that might just have been a little bit knee-weakening at times ;)
It’s going to come as no surprise when I say that I’m recommending A Splendid Defiance wholeheartedly. If you’re looking for a richly detailed story, a beautifully developed romance and a compelling, devastatingly attractive and unforgettable hero, it’s all here. Throw in a marvellously nuanced performance by one of the best narrators around and you’ve got a listening experience to savour over and over again.
February 26, 2017
5 "When Friendship/Love Sparks Amid Enemy War Lines" Stars for the Story and Narration!
What a fantastic listen! From the history, character development, and the eventual romance, to the spectacular narration, A Splendid Defiance is a must listen for historical romance enthusiasts!
What a treasure. Once I started this listen, I could not put down my headphones. I have loved each and every one of Ms. Riley's books that I have listened to (which includes all 3 books in the Rockcliffe Series). However, this book had a slightly different feel, as it had a greater focus on the history and political influences that impacted the story. As an American, I have to admit that I have never had the chance to study or read up on the English Civil War (circa the 1640s), so at first I was a little concerned that I might not understand the background. But Ms. Riley does such a stellar job of laying down the framework for this story, that not only was I not lost, but I actually feel like I learned a lot about the various political influences (including the Puritans, Parliamentarians, and Royalists) that led to the English Civil War.
For historical romance listeners who prefer the romance to the history, I will say to stick this one through. The first half of the book or so is mostly focused on the historical background and information regarding the background of the hero, heroine, and various secondary characters. However, don't despair, the romance will come. In fact, I felt that this intricate, highly developed background actually made the strength and genuineness of the connection that ultimately develops between the hero and heroine that much stronger and believable in the end.
The story takes place in the town of Branbury. During the English Civil War this town while inhabited by many people of Parliamentarian political inclinations, including some extreme religious fanatics (Puritans), had a castle that had been captured by the Royalists who supported King Charles I. For years during the English Civil War, the Royalist military men inhabiting the castle and the people of the town with pro-Parliamentarian political views had to find a way to co-exist. A factor, which as Ms. Riley points out in her story, sometimes included their reluctant engagement in trade and other matters even as they ultimately leered at one another and would have been happy to spy and cause havoc on the other sides' efforts in the war.
The heroine, Abigail (Abby) Radford is the daughter and sister of a Puritan merchant family. Her brother Jonas and his wife, Rachel, seem to despise Abby for her freewheeling ways (which has no basis in reality other than their own extremely conservative religious views). Fortunately for Abby she also has a brother, Samuel, who champions her cause whenever he is able to. Then there is Abby's mother who also lives with the family, but seems unable to reign in Justin's and Rachel's harsh treatment of Abby.
The hero, Justin Ambrose, is a captain in the Royalist army that is stationed in the castle in Branbury. He has his own share of family woes which are slowly revealed, but for the most part seems content in his role as a military officer. So much so, that he has resigned himself to making this a lifelong career--one which means that he will likely never marry. He is generally well liked and popular, including with the ladies, even if there is no special one that has caught his eye. This includes our heroine, who in true Puritan style, doesn't even prove memorable enough for Justin to remember following their first meeting.
However, eventually he comes to know Abby from his visits to the shop where her family sells cloth and other materials. At first, Justin's sole purpose in engaging Abby is to needle her brother Jonas-- who he greatly despises for his beliefs and general unlikeable manner. Justin hopes to instigate some strife in Jonas' home by teaching Abby some self-confidence through their clandestine meetings. However, as time passes and the war efforts escalate, their relationship evolves into a true friendship.
Can war enemies ever truly become friends? Moreover, even if they wish it, neither Abby's choices nor Justin's are strictly their own. In Abby's case, her life is determined by the conservative whims of her brother's and in Justin's by the needs of the military. Is any sort of future possible under the circumstances?
Alex Wyndham delivers a flawless narration as always. Mr. Wyndham is just such a pleasure to listen to. Not only does he have a captivating voice, but he also has great range in the characters he creates and enacts. You can feel the mood of the scene from his voice, and never have any trouble differentiating the speaker. Moreover, for a male narrator with such a deep baritone voice, he is remarkably gifted in his facility in creating believable female voices.
Additionally, as this is an ACX title, I think it is worth noting that the production quality of the audiobook is also top-notch and on par with productions by the big audiobook publishers.
All in all, I highly recommend A Splendid Defiance. Particularly if you enjoy learning history along with your HEA, then this story is sure to be fulfilling in every way!
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
What a fantastic listen! From the history, character development, and the eventual romance, to the spectacular narration, A Splendid Defiance is a must listen for historical romance enthusiasts!
What a treasure. Once I started this listen, I could not put down my headphones. I have loved each and every one of Ms. Riley's books that I have listened to (which includes all 3 books in the Rockcliffe Series). However, this book had a slightly different feel, as it had a greater focus on the history and political influences that impacted the story. As an American, I have to admit that I have never had the chance to study or read up on the English Civil War (circa the 1640s), so at first I was a little concerned that I might not understand the background. But Ms. Riley does such a stellar job of laying down the framework for this story, that not only was I not lost, but I actually feel like I learned a lot about the various political influences (including the Puritans, Parliamentarians, and Royalists) that led to the English Civil War.
For historical romance listeners who prefer the romance to the history, I will say to stick this one through. The first half of the book or so is mostly focused on the historical background and information regarding the background of the hero, heroine, and various secondary characters. However, don't despair, the romance will come. In fact, I felt that this intricate, highly developed background actually made the strength and genuineness of the connection that ultimately develops between the hero and heroine that much stronger and believable in the end.
The story takes place in the town of Branbury. During the English Civil War this town while inhabited by many people of Parliamentarian political inclinations, including some extreme religious fanatics (Puritans), had a castle that had been captured by the Royalists who supported King Charles I. For years during the English Civil War, the Royalist military men inhabiting the castle and the people of the town with pro-Parliamentarian political views had to find a way to co-exist. A factor, which as Ms. Riley points out in her story, sometimes included their reluctant engagement in trade and other matters even as they ultimately leered at one another and would have been happy to spy and cause havoc on the other sides' efforts in the war.
The heroine, Abigail (Abby) Radford is the daughter and sister of a Puritan merchant family. Her brother Jonas and his wife, Rachel, seem to despise Abby for her freewheeling ways (which has no basis in reality other than their own extremely conservative religious views). Fortunately for Abby she also has a brother, Samuel, who champions her cause whenever he is able to. Then there is Abby's mother who also lives with the family, but seems unable to reign in Justin's and Rachel's harsh treatment of Abby.
The hero, Justin Ambrose, is a captain in the Royalist army that is stationed in the castle in Branbury. He has his own share of family woes which are slowly revealed, but for the most part seems content in his role as a military officer. So much so, that he has resigned himself to making this a lifelong career--one which means that he will likely never marry. He is generally well liked and popular, including with the ladies, even if there is no special one that has caught his eye. This includes our heroine, who in true Puritan style, doesn't even prove memorable enough for Justin to remember following their first meeting.
However, eventually he comes to know Abby from his visits to the shop where her family sells cloth and other materials. At first, Justin's sole purpose in engaging Abby is to needle her brother Jonas-- who he greatly despises for his beliefs and general unlikeable manner. Justin hopes to instigate some strife in Jonas' home by teaching Abby some self-confidence through their clandestine meetings. However, as time passes and the war efforts escalate, their relationship evolves into a true friendship.
Can war enemies ever truly become friends? Moreover, even if they wish it, neither Abby's choices nor Justin's are strictly their own. In Abby's case, her life is determined by the conservative whims of her brother's and in Justin's by the needs of the military. Is any sort of future possible under the circumstances?
Alex Wyndham delivers a flawless narration as always. Mr. Wyndham is just such a pleasure to listen to. Not only does he have a captivating voice, but he also has great range in the characters he creates and enacts. You can feel the mood of the scene from his voice, and never have any trouble differentiating the speaker. Moreover, for a male narrator with such a deep baritone voice, he is remarkably gifted in his facility in creating believable female voices.
Additionally, as this is an ACX title, I think it is worth noting that the production quality of the audiobook is also top-notch and on par with productions by the big audiobook publishers.
All in all, I highly recommend A Splendid Defiance. Particularly if you enjoy learning history along with your HEA, then this story is sure to be fulfilling in every way!
Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.
October 5, 2021
5 ‘I’m physically incapable of rating this any lower’ stars
As my first foray into HR set in a different era from the 18th and 19th century, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better introduction than ‘A Splendid Defiance’. Riley weaves a breathtaking tapestry mixing history, fiction and romance, and the result is an engrossing tale of self-determination, courage and honor. Once I’d reached the last page, I felt extremely reluctant to leave Justin and Abigail’s world behind, as occasionally bleak as it was.
I can’t say that I enjoyed every single page of this book: in fact, various characters’ actions bothered me to the point of wanting to DNF this book a few times. But the romantic payoff and ensuing character growth were so rewarding that they made all my previous frustration worthwhile. I loved the heroine, Abigail, from the very beginning and just wanted to wrap her in a blanket while also admiring her self-possession in the face of adversity. On the other hand, Justin was a tough hero to like: not by virtue of any annoying character trait, but because Riley didn’t shy away from period typical sexist biases and drew him as a realistic soldier of his time. Despite my wanting to knock some sense into him more than once throughout the book, his personal growth was beautifully developed and I loved the man he allowed himself to become for Abigail:
If you enjoy slow-burn romance with a touch of forbidden love, as well as a prominent, perfectly researched historical background, this book will become your new obsession. And even if you don’t usually like those things, this book might just change your mind.
As my first foray into HR set in a different era from the 18th and 19th century, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better introduction than ‘A Splendid Defiance’. Riley weaves a breathtaking tapestry mixing history, fiction and romance, and the result is an engrossing tale of self-determination, courage and honor. Once I’d reached the last page, I felt extremely reluctant to leave Justin and Abigail’s world behind, as occasionally bleak as it was.
I can’t say that I enjoyed every single page of this book: in fact, various characters’ actions bothered me to the point of wanting to DNF this book a few times. But the romantic payoff and ensuing character growth were so rewarding that they made all my previous frustration worthwhile. I loved the heroine, Abigail, from the very beginning and just wanted to wrap her in a blanket while also admiring her self-possession in the face of adversity. On the other hand, Justin was a tough hero to like: not by virtue of any annoying character trait, but because Riley didn’t shy away from period typical sexist biases and drew him as a realistic soldier of his time. Despite my wanting to knock some sense into him more than once throughout the book, his personal growth was beautifully developed and I loved the man he allowed himself to become for Abigail:
“However honourable, sensible or right, he could not bring himself to part with the only good thing life had brought him in a decade; a warm, beautiful girl who, incredibly it seemed, wanted nothing but him and who he loved beyond anything he had ever imagined. There was no good reason for his change of heart – no logic; only a knowledge, deep inside himself, that he was not – and probably never had been – capable of giving her up.”
If you enjoy slow-burn romance with a touch of forbidden love, as well as a prominent, perfectly researched historical background, this book will become your new obsession. And even if you don’t usually like those things, this book might just change your mind.
August 26, 2018
It took me a little bit to get going with this one. Since I only had the audible version available to me I listened to it when I was driving, walking or when I wanted to be soothed to bed by the voice of Alex Wyndham. My goodness his voice is heavenly. I quickly grew to love the characters and found myself enchanted with the less then desirable hero, Jason Ambrose. Less then desirable you say? Well Jason wasn't lovable at first. I couldn't understand what anyone could see in him. Until I saw him through Abby's eyes. ❤
I ended up really enjoying this book. Stella Riley's writing is wonderful and I enjoy how she tells a story.
August 8, 2018
A Splendid Defiance was splendid indeed!!! I would love to see a sequel written about the two MCs, Justin and Abigail. Alex Wyndham as the narrator was excellent as always.
February 3, 2025
5 stars well deserved, I really loved it, it's an amazing historical novel !!!
I finished the book this morning and I already miss it... I miss the characters, I desperately want to keep being with them!
Definitely the best book I've read in recent years (according to my parameters of course).
This book totally involved me from the very first page to the last one, I'm not exaggerating saying that, indeed there wasn't a single moment that made me feel bored, I couldn't put it down and I neglected many other hobbies of mine because I was so engaged by this book!
I will begin by saying that it is a historical novel, with 2 fictional main characters and many side characters who really existed during the civil war in England (1642-1651).
It's a story that talks about war and love, but contrary to what one might think it's not exactly a romance novel, where everything revolves around love and you read hot sex scenes, which really doesn't fit into my genre reading ( like Diana Gabaldon or similar ).
The love story begins slowly and develops very slowly against the backdrop of battles, sieges, heroic and petty deeds, political compromises, the limits of the bigoted world of those times and the courage to assert one's ideas.
There are likable characters, with a good sense of humor who cheer us up in several scenes and there are narrow-minded evil characters who really make your skin crawl.
The hero and heroine are Justine and Abbie, they belong to 2 different sides of this war: he is a Royalist officer holding Banbury castle under siege, while Abbie is the sister of a local shopkeeper, a puritan, a fanatic and despot who makes life impossible to her.
Our 2 main characters meet only a few times in the first half of the book and this could be disappointing for those purely looking for a romance novel.
We actually see war events unfold, which I promise are never boring, but described in such an interesting and enthralling way that I also passionate about those moments ( you can believe me, battles usually bore me to death, but not in this book ! )
In the first half of the book we can see the 2 main characters lives, learning to get fond of them, savoring every little moment in which they meet and in which they gradually begin to get to know each other and develop a strong feeling of affection.
Justine is a fascinating young man, not only aesthetically, but also in his winking ways, in his smile, in his raised eyebrow looks, in his ironic and joking jokes with the other officers who are also his good friends and with Abigail, in his sarcastic jokes with despicable people.
Justin is brave and despite being young is used to fend for himself from the age of 16, we don't know his past until 3 quarters of the book, but we sense that he has wounds that are hard to heal.
Justin is brilliant and successful with women, but he is not a profiteering libertine, he is a man of honor, who respects others and honors his promises and for this reason he is respected and well liked by many.
Abigail is only 18 at the beginning of the book, she lives with her family, subjugated by her brother-master, she knows nothing of the world and she is not allowed any joy, not even a small one.
She has a one year younger brother who is also her good friend and accomplice, who will also be involved in the events of the war albeit in a different way from that of a soldier.
Given her background, it is obvious that initially Abigail is an insecure and fearful girl, but still with a great desire to live and to know more about life and Justin will open the doors to a new world for her where she can sing and dance without feeling blasphemous, where having beautiful hair or admiring a dress is not a sin, where there are also kind gestures and not just blows and prayers for forgiveness.
But from the caterpillar a butterfly will be born, with an ever strong character and more aware of what it wants and ready to fight, until the end, to get it.
A great love will blossom from mutual esteem and affection, not without difficulties and anguish
Despite the difficulties and the tragic nature of the war, the atmosphere of the book is pleasant, as I have already said, there are dialogues in which the humor will make you smile several times.
The characters, even all those around the 2 protagonists, are all so well described, we manage to guess their way of being, we can imagine their faces while they talk from the tone of the dialogues.
The author is really very good both in describing historical part, both in making the reader immerse himself in the story, in the same rooms as those people.
I was able to see everything like in a film, I was able to feel myself inside that film, as if I were living there with all of them.
The slowness with which the love story develops doesn't take away anything beautiful from the book, on the contrary, it makes everything more sensual and when at the end we have a couple of sex scenes, everything is described in an intuitive, but delicate way, not at all a vulgar one.
***
This is one of those times I wish I was good at writing and conveying my feelings, it's a great book, but words just can't put it right.
-----> English is not my native language and that certainly makes my review even worse... Sorry
***
I hope I haven't said too much to take away the pleasure of reading, but it was also right to warn those who prefer more explicit romance novels, where the 2 characters would like to jump on each other from the beginning to the end of the book and where the historical context is only mentioned.
IMPORTANT : Being Italian I don't know English history, I only knew that there was a civil war and a short republic between Charles I and Charles II, however I never found myself confused or lost in these facts, the writer style is fluid and everything is easy to understand even without being an expert in English history.
It was nice to learn historical facts for unknown to me and then expand them with some web research.
Every now and then I find a book that I really like, which I'm sure I will reread and which I give 5 stars... but no one has enraptured me like this one and if my favorites so far have had 5 stars I virtually give this one 10.
It was my first Stella Riley book... I'll probably try others, but not right away, because the magic hardly repeats itself twice. :-)
I finished the book this morning and I already miss it... I miss the characters, I desperately want to keep being with them!
Definitely the best book I've read in recent years (according to my parameters of course).
This book totally involved me from the very first page to the last one, I'm not exaggerating saying that, indeed there wasn't a single moment that made me feel bored, I couldn't put it down and I neglected many other hobbies of mine because I was so engaged by this book!
I will begin by saying that it is a historical novel, with 2 fictional main characters and many side characters who really existed during the civil war in England (1642-1651).
It's a story that talks about war and love, but contrary to what one might think it's not exactly a romance novel, where everything revolves around love and you read hot sex scenes, which really doesn't fit into my genre reading ( like Diana Gabaldon or similar ).
The love story begins slowly and develops very slowly against the backdrop of battles, sieges, heroic and petty deeds, political compromises, the limits of the bigoted world of those times and the courage to assert one's ideas.
There are likable characters, with a good sense of humor who cheer us up in several scenes and there are narrow-minded evil characters who really make your skin crawl.
The hero and heroine are Justine and Abbie, they belong to 2 different sides of this war: he is a Royalist officer holding Banbury castle under siege, while Abbie is the sister of a local shopkeeper, a puritan, a fanatic and despot who makes life impossible to her.
Our 2 main characters meet only a few times in the first half of the book and this could be disappointing for those purely looking for a romance novel.
We actually see war events unfold, which I promise are never boring, but described in such an interesting and enthralling way that I also passionate about those moments ( you can believe me, battles usually bore me to death, but not in this book ! )
In the first half of the book we can see the 2 main characters lives, learning to get fond of them, savoring every little moment in which they meet and in which they gradually begin to get to know each other and develop a strong feeling of affection.
Justine is a fascinating young man, not only aesthetically, but also in his winking ways, in his smile, in his raised eyebrow looks, in his ironic and joking jokes with the other officers who are also his good friends and with Abigail, in his sarcastic jokes with despicable people.
Justin is brave and despite being young is used to fend for himself from the age of 16, we don't know his past until 3 quarters of the book, but we sense that he has wounds that are hard to heal.
Justin is brilliant and successful with women, but he is not a profiteering libertine, he is a man of honor, who respects others and honors his promises and for this reason he is respected and well liked by many.
Abigail is only 18 at the beginning of the book, she lives with her family, subjugated by her brother-master, she knows nothing of the world and she is not allowed any joy, not even a small one.
She has a one year younger brother who is also her good friend and accomplice, who will also be involved in the events of the war albeit in a different way from that of a soldier.
Given her background, it is obvious that initially Abigail is an insecure and fearful girl, but still with a great desire to live and to know more about life and Justin will open the doors to a new world for her where she can sing and dance without feeling blasphemous, where having beautiful hair or admiring a dress is not a sin, where there are also kind gestures and not just blows and prayers for forgiveness.
But from the caterpillar a butterfly will be born, with an ever strong character and more aware of what it wants and ready to fight, until the end, to get it.
A great love will blossom from mutual esteem and affection, not without difficulties and anguish
Despite the difficulties and the tragic nature of the war, the atmosphere of the book is pleasant, as I have already said, there are dialogues in which the humor will make you smile several times.
The characters, even all those around the 2 protagonists, are all so well described, we manage to guess their way of being, we can imagine their faces while they talk from the tone of the dialogues.
The author is really very good both in describing historical part, both in making the reader immerse himself in the story, in the same rooms as those people.
I was able to see everything like in a film, I was able to feel myself inside that film, as if I were living there with all of them.
The slowness with which the love story develops doesn't take away anything beautiful from the book, on the contrary, it makes everything more sensual and when at the end we have a couple of sex scenes, everything is described in an intuitive, but delicate way, not at all a vulgar one.
***
This is one of those times I wish I was good at writing and conveying my feelings, it's a great book, but words just can't put it right.
-----> English is not my native language and that certainly makes my review even worse... Sorry
***
I hope I haven't said too much to take away the pleasure of reading, but it was also right to warn those who prefer more explicit romance novels, where the 2 characters would like to jump on each other from the beginning to the end of the book and where the historical context is only mentioned.
IMPORTANT : Being Italian I don't know English history, I only knew that there was a civil war and a short republic between Charles I and Charles II, however I never found myself confused or lost in these facts, the writer style is fluid and everything is easy to understand even without being an expert in English history.
It was nice to learn historical facts for unknown to me and then expand them with some web research.
Every now and then I find a book that I really like, which I'm sure I will reread and which I give 5 stars... but no one has enraptured me like this one and if my favorites so far have had 5 stars I virtually give this one 10.
It was my first Stella Riley book... I'll probably try others, but not right away, because the magic hardly repeats itself twice. :-)
April 18, 2018
Enjoyable and lovely prose. Very detailed in its historical reporting of the events and people during the English Civil War. Heroine is an intelligent young girl growing up in a Puritan household under the tyrannical rule of her fanatical brother. Hero is a captain in the Royalist army, which has control of Banbury Castle, one of their last remaining strongholds as their forces slowly collapse in the surrounding locations. The MCs are from opposing sides of the war, but as they repeatedly cross path in the small town, their fascination with one another grows, defying religious and political differences and the threat of discovery.
A bit more romance would be great. I didn't like the fact that he permitted the heroine to stay in his quarters, pretty much marking her as his woman, and yet had no intention to offer her marriage because he couldn't offer the life she deserved. She's already ruined the moment he swept into her brother's house to carry her off to the castle with him, so his argument made no sense. In my current insomniac state, where I barely can barely focus on stringing a coherent sentence together, there was way too much political facts and names to remember. Must...get...more...sleep...
A bit more romance would be great. I didn't like the fact that he permitted the heroine to stay in his quarters, pretty much marking her as his woman, and yet had no intention to offer her marriage because he couldn't offer the life she deserved. She's already ruined the moment he swept into her brother's house to carry her off to the castle with him, so his argument made no sense. In my current insomniac state, where I barely can barely focus on stringing a coherent sentence together, there was way too much political facts and names to remember. Must...get...more...sleep...
April 27, 2017
It’s fair to say that I’m a huge fan of Stella Riley. She can do no wrong in my eyes and I’m running out of superlatives to adequately describe or do justice to her writing. Nevertheless, I will try my best to initiate new readers/listeners and show what an absolute treat they have in store with this superbly performed version of A SPLENDID DEFIANCE
If you are an historical fiction or historical romance fan, then you must read or listen to Stella Riley’s work, and a good place to start is A Splendid Defiance. It was this story and another of the author’s books, The Marigold Chain, that initially piqued my interest in this turbulent period in England’s history. Both books are superbly researched, standalone stories and each is eminently enjoyable. I couldn’t imagine improving on my enjoyment of the original print version of A Splendid Defiance but, by employing the superbly talented actor, Alex Wyndham, to narrate her powerful story, Ms. Riley has done just that. Mr. Wyndham brings her exciting, historically accurate, wonderfully romantic, feast of a book to multi-dimensional life.
Captain Justin Ambrose has been banished following an ill-advised comment he made about one of the King’s favourites, which unfortunately reached that officer’s ears. Justin is now moodily kicking his heels at the Royalist controlled garrison of Banbury Castle in Oxfordshire, apparently indefinitely. A career soldier of considerable experience, he has earned a formidable reputation and naturally feels resentful at being stuck in the Puritan backwater of Banbury. His generally acerbic and sarcastic tongue is even more prominent as the prolonged inactivity begins to take its toll on his temper.
Abigail Radford (Abby) is a young, sweet and innocent seventeen-year-old when this story begins. She lives and works, along with her mother, younger brother, Sam, and sister-in-law, Rachel, in the home and drapery shop of her elder brother, Jonas. But this is no happy household, for Jonas is an autocratic, over-bearing bully of a man, whose hatred of the Cavaliers at the castle is topped only by his religious fanaticism.
Justin is a man of integrity, honesty and honour and a Royalist to the core. Completely dedicated to his King and cause, there is no room in his life for love and marriage. In his first encounter with Abby – during which he saves her from being ravished by a couple of his subordinates – he doesn’t even see her as more than a terrified girl. It takes several more encounters before he even remembers her and then only fleetingly. It takes several more unplanned meetings before he notices that, beneath the extreme plain clothing and, unflattering white cap, there is a rather sweet and attractive young woman. Any possible developing of interest on Justin’s part – for Abby is already clumsy and tongue-tied in his presence – is further delayed by the arrival of a large Roundhead contingent, the senior officers of which take up residence at the home of Jonas, being the most prominent Banbury citizen and the first siege of the castle begins.
I admire the way Stella Riley grows her love stories in all her novels, but particularly in this one - understated, plausible and entirely in keeping with unfolding events. The historical aspect of the story is all important; Banbury castle was a strategic holding and central to the Royalist cause. Three hundred and fifty men held Banbury castle against almost impossible odds, nearly starving in the process.
After the first siege is over, the Parliamentarians ousted, and on the run after Royalist re-enforcements arrive, the Garrison can breathe again and life returns to some semblance of order. Ms. Riley then continues to develop the interaction and slowly growing attraction between Justin and Abigail, throwing them together in various situations which further advances their apparently ill-fated friendship. For how can two people on opposing sides of a civil war ever have a chance at mutual happiness?
Justin is a multi-layered character with many deep, dark secrets; even his closest friends know little about him, other than he has a well-deserved reputation with the ladies. He is such a believable character, especially when you find yourself getting cross with him because he’s given Abby an undeserved tongue lashing, upsetting her to the point that it feels as if he’s kicked a puppy. But then, conversely, you find yourself going all gooey over him when he’s being particularly charming – and my goodness, he can certainly turn it on when he chooses! Then it’s clear to see what a terrific job Stella Riley has done in bringing us the very memorable Captain Justin Ambrose because he’s gorgeous – seriously flawed -but still gorgeous, and we love and castigate him in turns.
Abby’s character grows over the course of the story from a timid Puritan to an attractive young woman with a lot more oomph than she had to begin with. Justin sets out initially – not entirely altruistically – to help her stand up to and defy his nemesis, the odious Jonas. In the end, however, he is hoist with his own petard as he finds himself drawn more and more to her quiet, unassuming and undemanding presence. Eventually, Justin realises that she is the only person in his life who has ever cared for him or gives a damn what happens to him, and refreshingly requiring nothing from him in return. Their eventual acceptance of the love between them is heart-warmingly tender and all the better for the waiting. As is the norm with Stella Riley, she doesn’t need to resort to explicit love scenes. Instead, sensuality and tenderness is the order of the day, and I was left with a warm glow as she found a way to bring these two lovely characters together against all of the odds.
As usual, Alex Wyndham’s performance is stupendous. There are few performers who could tackle such a varied and wide cast of characters and fool the listener into feeling as if they are listening to a rather superior radio play, rather than one man’s narrative of a story. Obviously, as this is a story set in war time, it is top heavy with a large cast of men who are often in a multi-character conversation. This holds no difficulty for Mr. Wyndham who switches between a variety of accents, tones and timbres, giving each character a distinct interpretation. Artistically, his performance is faultless, and there is really nothing I could criticise in his portrayal of Stella Riley’s fabulous cast of characters, male or female. While listening to his performance, I discovered that Alex Wyndham has another interesting addition to his repertoire…a very pleasing, rich baritone singing voice. Rarely have I experienced a voice actor/narrator able to perform in this way and certainly none so well.
I cannot recommend this audio book highly enough because it has everything that I look for in an historical romance; living, breathing people and so well does Stella Riley blend her fictitious and non-fictitious characters, that it is impossible to see the seams; atmospheric, superbly researched historical content and spine tingling romance. A SPLENDID DEFIANCE is a Stellar 5 stars for both content and narration and another winner for this phenomenal writer/narrator team.
This review of A Splendid Defiance originally ran on RHR. Rakes and Rascals then ran it with some additions and amendments.
If you are an historical fiction or historical romance fan, then you must read or listen to Stella Riley’s work, and a good place to start is A Splendid Defiance. It was this story and another of the author’s books, The Marigold Chain, that initially piqued my interest in this turbulent period in England’s history. Both books are superbly researched, standalone stories and each is eminently enjoyable. I couldn’t imagine improving on my enjoyment of the original print version of A Splendid Defiance but, by employing the superbly talented actor, Alex Wyndham, to narrate her powerful story, Ms. Riley has done just that. Mr. Wyndham brings her exciting, historically accurate, wonderfully romantic, feast of a book to multi-dimensional life.
Captain Justin Ambrose has been banished following an ill-advised comment he made about one of the King’s favourites, which unfortunately reached that officer’s ears. Justin is now moodily kicking his heels at the Royalist controlled garrison of Banbury Castle in Oxfordshire, apparently indefinitely. A career soldier of considerable experience, he has earned a formidable reputation and naturally feels resentful at being stuck in the Puritan backwater of Banbury. His generally acerbic and sarcastic tongue is even more prominent as the prolonged inactivity begins to take its toll on his temper.
Abigail Radford (Abby) is a young, sweet and innocent seventeen-year-old when this story begins. She lives and works, along with her mother, younger brother, Sam, and sister-in-law, Rachel, in the home and drapery shop of her elder brother, Jonas. But this is no happy household, for Jonas is an autocratic, over-bearing bully of a man, whose hatred of the Cavaliers at the castle is topped only by his religious fanaticism.
Justin is a man of integrity, honesty and honour and a Royalist to the core. Completely dedicated to his King and cause, there is no room in his life for love and marriage. In his first encounter with Abby – during which he saves her from being ravished by a couple of his subordinates – he doesn’t even see her as more than a terrified girl. It takes several more encounters before he even remembers her and then only fleetingly. It takes several more unplanned meetings before he notices that, beneath the extreme plain clothing and, unflattering white cap, there is a rather sweet and attractive young woman. Any possible developing of interest on Justin’s part – for Abby is already clumsy and tongue-tied in his presence – is further delayed by the arrival of a large Roundhead contingent, the senior officers of which take up residence at the home of Jonas, being the most prominent Banbury citizen and the first siege of the castle begins.
I admire the way Stella Riley grows her love stories in all her novels, but particularly in this one - understated, plausible and entirely in keeping with unfolding events. The historical aspect of the story is all important; Banbury castle was a strategic holding and central to the Royalist cause. Three hundred and fifty men held Banbury castle against almost impossible odds, nearly starving in the process.
After the first siege is over, the Parliamentarians ousted, and on the run after Royalist re-enforcements arrive, the Garrison can breathe again and life returns to some semblance of order. Ms. Riley then continues to develop the interaction and slowly growing attraction between Justin and Abigail, throwing them together in various situations which further advances their apparently ill-fated friendship. For how can two people on opposing sides of a civil war ever have a chance at mutual happiness?
Justin is a multi-layered character with many deep, dark secrets; even his closest friends know little about him, other than he has a well-deserved reputation with the ladies. He is such a believable character, especially when you find yourself getting cross with him because he’s given Abby an undeserved tongue lashing, upsetting her to the point that it feels as if he’s kicked a puppy. But then, conversely, you find yourself going all gooey over him when he’s being particularly charming – and my goodness, he can certainly turn it on when he chooses! Then it’s clear to see what a terrific job Stella Riley has done in bringing us the very memorable Captain Justin Ambrose because he’s gorgeous – seriously flawed -but still gorgeous, and we love and castigate him in turns.
Abby’s character grows over the course of the story from a timid Puritan to an attractive young woman with a lot more oomph than she had to begin with. Justin sets out initially – not entirely altruistically – to help her stand up to and defy his nemesis, the odious Jonas. In the end, however, he is hoist with his own petard as he finds himself drawn more and more to her quiet, unassuming and undemanding presence. Eventually, Justin realises that she is the only person in his life who has ever cared for him or gives a damn what happens to him, and refreshingly requiring nothing from him in return. Their eventual acceptance of the love between them is heart-warmingly tender and all the better for the waiting. As is the norm with Stella Riley, she doesn’t need to resort to explicit love scenes. Instead, sensuality and tenderness is the order of the day, and I was left with a warm glow as she found a way to bring these two lovely characters together against all of the odds.
As usual, Alex Wyndham’s performance is stupendous. There are few performers who could tackle such a varied and wide cast of characters and fool the listener into feeling as if they are listening to a rather superior radio play, rather than one man’s narrative of a story. Obviously, as this is a story set in war time, it is top heavy with a large cast of men who are often in a multi-character conversation. This holds no difficulty for Mr. Wyndham who switches between a variety of accents, tones and timbres, giving each character a distinct interpretation. Artistically, his performance is faultless, and there is really nothing I could criticise in his portrayal of Stella Riley’s fabulous cast of characters, male or female. While listening to his performance, I discovered that Alex Wyndham has another interesting addition to his repertoire…a very pleasing, rich baritone singing voice. Rarely have I experienced a voice actor/narrator able to perform in this way and certainly none so well.
I cannot recommend this audio book highly enough because it has everything that I look for in an historical romance; living, breathing people and so well does Stella Riley blend her fictitious and non-fictitious characters, that it is impossible to see the seams; atmospheric, superbly researched historical content and spine tingling romance. A SPLENDID DEFIANCE is a Stellar 5 stars for both content and narration and another winner for this phenomenal writer/narrator team.
This review of A Splendid Defiance originally ran on RHR. Rakes and Rascals then ran it with some additions and amendments.
April 26, 2017
I listened to this audiobook a few months ago and never got around to writing a review -- not because I didn't like it, but because I loved it so much that I didn't know how to say it.
Good things come to she whowaits procrastinates, for my friend Wendy has just posted her review and I urge you to read it.
This is another one of those magnificent performances by British actor Alex Wyndham, and if you like audiobooks you definitely should listen to this book. He can transform even an ordinary book into a great listening experience. Not that this is an ordinary book; it is an excellent book combining real history and great romance.
Highly recommended.
Good things come to she who
This is another one of those magnificent performances by British actor Alex Wyndham, and if you like audiobooks you definitely should listen to this book. He can transform even an ordinary book into a great listening experience. Not that this is an ordinary book; it is an excellent book combining real history and great romance.
Highly recommended.
June 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. As I've enjoyed all of Stella Riley's books. There was plenty of action, and a great story to back it up. If I had to complain about anything, it would be the weakness of the heroine. She was very timid and naive in the beginning, which I know was partly her age and partly her upbringing and staunch religious background. She did mature quite a bit as the story unfolded, but in my opinion, she put up with just a little too much from our overbearing and self indulgent hero. Whom I may admit I'm madly in love with. Stubborn arse that he was. I still had it pretty bad for him. I had trouble putting this one down.
I read this as an audiobook, and as always, Alex Wyndham was dreamy in the extreme.
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed the last couple of chapters when the book focused on the romance and angst.
January 1, 2017
To give you an example of how much I loved this book - let me just say this: I started reading this on New Years eve day, and I finished the book before midnight. I'm very particular about the romance novels that I read. I like romance novels to tell a story, and to tell it well. If they are historical, then the author better have the details of the historical time period accurate, or for me, it detracts from the story, and it pisses me off. Stella Riley took me into a world that I know very little about (England's Civil War), and I loved and appreciated that. The other thing for me personally is this: I love romance novels that are about the building of the relationship/love story, not the graphic points of sexual encounters (though don't get me wrong - in the right author's hands I love sex scenes as well). That's just me, and for some - this might be a turn off. This is not a book with sexual encounters at every turn - not even close. What it is, however, is a lovely, wonderfully written love story with verbal interactions, instead of sexual encounters, until the end where it all ties neatly into what one hopes is a "happy ever after". I have to add something as well: I have GREAT respect for authors who can write a romance novel where words between the two protagonists become the poetry of their love because that's not easy to do, and takes more creativity and skill to draw the reader in to care about the characters and their relationship. I will definitely be reading more from this author. A great read!
May 9, 2025
So unique. Don’t think I’ve read any historical romances set during the English Civil War.
Read another by this author that I didn’t love, but glad I tried again.
Read another by this author that I didn’t love, but glad I tried again.
March 12, 2021
Everything in this book is written with such a detail especially the characters. There is a lot of depth to each and every one of them.
And the love story - is like watching a butterfly being transformed. Justin is such a straightforward often sarcastic guy who has been toughen by years of soldering and you don't learn it just from description but from his words and what lie in between his words. Abigail starts out very shy but she transforms into a rebel. She able to hold her own in a conversation with this overpowering soldier.
I loved their declarations of love. So swoon-worthy.
However, the book does start on a slow note with many unknown names and historical figures. I almost feel like there are two books in one - first is the introduction into the world and second half is the romance.
I also love that this takes place in 17th century. I love reading about all kinds of historical periods not just Regency which in my opinion is very boring.
I have learned a lot about English civil war and about Prince Rupert who deserves a romance book on his own. What a force of nature that guy is.
And the love story - is like watching a butterfly being transformed. Justin is such a straightforward often sarcastic guy who has been toughen by years of soldering and you don't learn it just from description but from his words and what lie in between his words. Abigail starts out very shy but she transforms into a rebel. She able to hold her own in a conversation with this overpowering soldier.
I loved their declarations of love. So swoon-worthy.
However, the book does start on a slow note with many unknown names and historical figures. I almost feel like there are two books in one - first is the introduction into the world and second half is the romance.
I also love that this takes place in 17th century. I love reading about all kinds of historical periods not just Regency which in my opinion is very boring.
I have learned a lot about English civil war and about Prince Rupert who deserves a romance book on his own. What a force of nature that guy is.
February 10, 2021
A good read! I enjoyed it. I loved Justin and Abigail. They had such different characters and beliefs. It was interesting to see how it would work out.
Now I didn't love it but I liked it! I will be reading more from this author.
Now I didn't love it but I liked it! I will be reading more from this author.
March 15, 2018
Stella Riley gave me a rare gift. She wholly enveloped me in the world she created, so much so I returned to my own with a jolt, finding it hard to believe Justin and Abigail were not real, and their comrades in the Banbury garrison my friends.
A Splendid Defiance offers so much. A realistic and expertly drawn setting based in a real place and time. Laughter, sorrow and exquisite joy. Most of all, a slow-building, believable romance that never felt contrived. It may have been the most touching romance I've ever read.
Like Justin, I wanted to put my arms around Abby to protect her from the familial bullies who made her life a living hell. I rejoiced to see her blossom under his friendship and caring. As for Justin, I wanted to shake him to make him realize what was happening right in front of him. But I could forgive his obstinacy, because I saw, like Abby, the honor and decency in him. I mourned for the security and warmth he lost in childhood, and cheered him as he learned to let down his guard and welcome love.
I am so glad to have experienced this story on audio. Alex Windham did what the best narrators do: Used a sympathetic understanding of the characters and text to bring them vividly alive.
Justin and Abigail will forever live in my heart, and I know I will return to this book time and time again. The chance to become lost in a fictional world is one of the most important reasons I read, but it is the rare author who can sweep me away so completely. Stella Riley is a writer to cherish.
A Splendid Defiance offers so much. A realistic and expertly drawn setting based in a real place and time. Laughter, sorrow and exquisite joy. Most of all, a slow-building, believable romance that never felt contrived. It may have been the most touching romance I've ever read.
Like Justin, I wanted to put my arms around Abby to protect her from the familial bullies who made her life a living hell. I rejoiced to see her blossom under his friendship and caring. As for Justin, I wanted to shake him to make him realize what was happening right in front of him. But I could forgive his obstinacy, because I saw, like Abby, the honor and decency in him. I mourned for the security and warmth he lost in childhood, and cheered him as he learned to let down his guard and welcome love.
I am so glad to have experienced this story on audio. Alex Windham did what the best narrators do: Used a sympathetic understanding of the characters and text to bring them vividly alive.
Justin and Abigail will forever live in my heart, and I know I will return to this book time and time again. The chance to become lost in a fictional world is one of the most important reasons I read, but it is the rare author who can sweep me away so completely. Stella Riley is a writer to cherish.
January 6, 2017
**2.5**
I think I'm being generous and rounding this to a 3 just because its Stella Riley and I've loved so many other of her books. This was the first one of hers I read about the English Civil War though, and that is not my time period. I think to really enjoy this book you need to be somewhat familiar with the English Civil War already (which I'm not) and have an interest in wartime narratives (which I don't). Because a lot of this was about troop movements and skirmishes and the politics behind the war and so on and so forth. Which if you are into that, this has tons of details and you will probably love it. But basically this just wasn't the right book for me.
The audio narration though is awesome. His voice is sexy as hell and I could listen to it all day.
I think I'm being generous and rounding this to a 3 just because its Stella Riley and I've loved so many other of her books. This was the first one of hers I read about the English Civil War though, and that is not my time period. I think to really enjoy this book you need to be somewhat familiar with the English Civil War already (which I'm not) and have an interest in wartime narratives (which I don't). Because a lot of this was about troop movements and skirmishes and the politics behind the war and so on and so forth. Which if you are into that, this has tons of details and you will probably love it. But basically this just wasn't the right book for me.
The audio narration though is awesome. His voice is sexy as hell and I could listen to it all day.
June 10, 2020
Reading this wonderfully engaging work of historical fiction, set during the English Civil War, I kept thinking of William Shakespeare Burton's painting, 'The Wounded Cavalier,' in which a Puritan girl comforts a wounded Royalist, while her disapproving Puritan companion (a brother, perhaps?) looks on. Set in Banbury, in Oxfordshire, Stella Riley's tale concerns the two sieges of Banbury Castle, held by Royalist forces against the Parliamentarians, and a star-crossed romance between Cavalier Justin Ambrose and Puritan Abigail Radford. Haunted by the events of his past, and his exile from his family and home, Justin hides his wounds behind a witty exterior, devoting himself to soldiering and to seducing women. The sister of a fanatical Puritan brother - the horrible Jonas Radford - Abigail lives a life deprived of light and laughter. As the events of the war unfold around them, these two souls grow closer, but confront a world where everything seems designed to keep them apart...
A Splendid Defiance is the fourth novel I have read from Stella Riley, following upon the romances The Parfit Knight , The Mésalliance and Lucifer's Champion , and it is by far the best of the lot. It is a romance, but it is more than that. The reader feels entirely caught up in the story, and transported to another time. The main characters are sympathetically drawn, and involve the reader in their struggles, while the secondary cast, whether heroic or villainous, is interesting as well. The historical setting and events are compelling, and the author captures the stupidity and tragedy of civil war. I'm always interested, when reading a story set during the English Civil War, to see how the Puritans are depicted, as so many authors, perhaps influenced by a natural repugnance for religious zealotry, perhaps by the fact that the other side won, tend to cast them as the more villainous side of the conflict, ignoring the repressive nature of monarchy, and of the established church. There was a little bit of that here, but on the whole I thought that Riley did a good job showing that not everyone on the Parliamentarian side of the war was a religious fanatic. Jonas and Samuel Radford, both Puritans, present quite a contrast in that respect.
All in all, an engaging and entertaining work, one that had me staying up far later than I should have, to finish reading it. I will definitely seek out more of Riley's work, and recommend this one to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or historical romance.
November 4, 2022
Yes. There's nothing romantic about war and no room for sentiment or an overdeveloped degree of fastidiousness, not if you want to stay alive. (...) Or did you think we were all epic heroes galloping off to immortal glory?
So, whose defiance was splendid? Banbury's? The King's? Cavaliers's? Roundheads's? Justin's? Abby's? Sam's? Jonas's?
A story about loyalty, friendship, keeping own's views, or changing them. Love that bloomed slowly. And Justin... [sigh...]
'He's sarcastic and short-tempered and he swears rather a lot. He says things he shouldn't and laughs when you least expect it, but he's unmistakably a gentleman, in the same way that Colonel Fiennes is. And he's kind; someone to trust. Does that sound stupid?'
'Not stupid,' replied Alice slowly. 'A little dangerous, perhaps.'
I love historical fiction that is soaked with history. Each great book of the genre allows me to understand the past a bit more.
Face nasty reality, Sam. The man whose ideas are wonderful but so far in advance of their time that they can't be implemented is an embarrassment. The man who adds to that a persuasive tongue and his own brand of integrity is a threat.
In other words, one of the books that swept me away, speeded my heartbeat, made me more alive.
By the way, when Abby shouted to an abandoned, defeated king in the Parliamentary city: God protect Your Majesty! I felt a deep sadness.
PS If you don't know anything about the English Civil War you will be probably overwhelmed. It is one of the rare historical novels that doesn't explain a reader the background. Thanks to it, most readers don't have to read again what they already know, but a new story, another point of view, etc.
March 13, 2018
Captain Ambrose and Abigail are strangers turned into friends under the most adverse circumstances. They lived literally in opposite worlds: she was from a family of puritans, he was a titled gentleman fighting as a major for the royalists (opposite sides in the English Civil War).
Her brother is a fanatic and her life is miserable and restrict. He has some ghosts in his past and is not open for love.
The narration is superb! The story is interesting and full of history background. Captain Ambrose is so enchanting, and Abigail is so lovable. Amazing and unforgettable story!
Her brother is a fanatic and her life is miserable and restrict. He has some ghosts in his past and is not open for love.
The narration is superb! The story is interesting and full of history background. Captain Ambrose is so enchanting, and Abigail is so lovable. Amazing and unforgettable story!
dnf
October 2, 2024It’s not a bad book, the POVs constantly switching just confused me a lot. Especially when the audiobook narrator only did like 2 types of voices 😅.
March 20, 2015
I've been reading books by Stella Riley this week and after finishing the "Rockcliffe" series decided I may as well pick another book by this author. I was made aware that my next choice "A Splendid Defiance" had a strong mixture of history and romance and therefore might not be to my taste. Still, I had read rave reviews on Goodreads and just couldn't pass it up. The events that transpired during the period in which this book has as its focus was known as "The English Civil War." Yes, I already knew a little about Cromwell and the Royalists but I'd never actually studied that part of English history. It's a particularly important period in time because it resulted in some major changes in the manner in which the monarchy in England ruled and also ended the monopoly the Church of England had long held relative to Christian worship.
For those who are interested in knowing a bit more detail about this period, the setting for this book was the first period (1642-46). My review follows this excerpt taken from Wikipedia:
Wikipedia: "The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians ("Roundheads") and Royalists ("Cavaliers") in the Kingdom of England over, principally, the manner of its government. The first (1642-46) and second (1648-49) wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third (1649-51) saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The war ended with the Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651.
The overall outcome of the war was threefold: the trial and execution of Charles I; the exile of his son, Charles II; and the replacement of English monarchy with, at first, the Commonwealth of England (1649-53) and then the Protectorate (1653-59) under Oliver Cromwell's personal rule. The monopoly of the Church of England on Christian worship in England ended with the victors consolidating the established Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. Constitutionally, the wars established the precedent that an English monarch cannot govern without Parliament's consent, although this concept was legally established only as part of the Glorious Revolution in 1688."
Review: Within the pages of this book, we have a group of military men (Cavaliers) who are loyal to the King, having established their garrison in a castle in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire. Although there is quite a bit of detail having to do with military activities, including a siege of the castle by Parliamentarian military units (Roundheads), there is also a lovely romance between the sarcastic, cynical, Captain Justin Ambrose and a sweet, innocent, Puritan girl, Abigail Radford. Bear in mind, although the two are minimally acquainted for a good part of the story, their lives become intricately entwined further into the book. If you're like me and you enjoy savoring the sweet build up of a relationship without too many complications, this may not be the book for you. However, I can promise you the romance is indeed sweet and there is much to savor for those who take the plunge. The saying, "good things come to those who wait," could be applicable to this romance.
This book isn't typical of the fluff I normally read these days. It is, however, reminiscent of books I read during my earlier years that were chock full of happenings based on real historical settings and events with some romance being made a part of the greater story. Those of you who've read my reviews are fully aware of one fact - I can enjoy light fare with the best of 'em. This is definitely a bit more heavy weighted and serious minded story - not, however, to the point I didn't enjoy it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to re-read it a later tonight so I can fully grasp some details I might have missed on the last go around. Also, I'm finding I want a firmer grasp on the historical events because next on my reading list will be the "The Black Madonna (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 1)." Yes, I'm finding that I'm "all in."
Review by: Judge Tabor
For those who are interested in knowing a bit more detail about this period, the setting for this book was the first period (1642-46). My review follows this excerpt taken from Wikipedia:
Wikipedia: "The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians ("Roundheads") and Royalists ("Cavaliers") in the Kingdom of England over, principally, the manner of its government. The first (1642-46) and second (1648-49) wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third (1649-51) saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The war ended with the Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651.
The overall outcome of the war was threefold: the trial and execution of Charles I; the exile of his son, Charles II; and the replacement of English monarchy with, at first, the Commonwealth of England (1649-53) and then the Protectorate (1653-59) under Oliver Cromwell's personal rule. The monopoly of the Church of England on Christian worship in England ended with the victors consolidating the established Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. Constitutionally, the wars established the precedent that an English monarch cannot govern without Parliament's consent, although this concept was legally established only as part of the Glorious Revolution in 1688."
Review: Within the pages of this book, we have a group of military men (Cavaliers) who are loyal to the King, having established their garrison in a castle in the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire. Although there is quite a bit of detail having to do with military activities, including a siege of the castle by Parliamentarian military units (Roundheads), there is also a lovely romance between the sarcastic, cynical, Captain Justin Ambrose and a sweet, innocent, Puritan girl, Abigail Radford. Bear in mind, although the two are minimally acquainted for a good part of the story, their lives become intricately entwined further into the book. If you're like me and you enjoy savoring the sweet build up of a relationship without too many complications, this may not be the book for you. However, I can promise you the romance is indeed sweet and there is much to savor for those who take the plunge. The saying, "good things come to those who wait," could be applicable to this romance.
This book isn't typical of the fluff I normally read these days. It is, however, reminiscent of books I read during my earlier years that were chock full of happenings based on real historical settings and events with some romance being made a part of the greater story. Those of you who've read my reviews are fully aware of one fact - I can enjoy light fare with the best of 'em. This is definitely a bit more heavy weighted and serious minded story - not, however, to the point I didn't enjoy it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to re-read it a later tonight so I can fully grasp some details I might have missed on the last go around. Also, I'm finding I want a firmer grasp on the historical events because next on my reading list will be the "The Black Madonna (Roundheads & Cavaliers Book 1)." Yes, I'm finding that I'm "all in."
Review by: Judge Tabor
December 22, 2017
Stella Riley wrote this story in the mid 1980's. Most of her books are very hard to find. She recently started to release some of her books on Kindle and I read somewhere that the content of this story was extended. My review comes from reading the paperback.
It is interesting to note that Ms. Riley was able to mix a time in history that actually occurred, some fictitious characters that felt true to the era and also included a romance. It is about a dark time during the English Civil War in the mid-1600's. Politics and religion go head-to-head. Everyone is affected from commoners to royalty and, needless-to-say, it split families and friends.
First and foremost, the story is thick with documented scenes that actually happened. Miss Riley made this period of time mesmerizing and left you, the reader, to judge the characters. Lord Digby, Justin's dislikable foe, was very real and was the ancestor of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Prince Rupert, Fiennes and Lilburne all had their pros and cons. And there were so many others.
Ms. Riley is aka Juliet Blyth who wrote The Parfit Knight. It was wonderful but A Splendid Defiance had more realism, texture and anguish filling the pages. Its scope was very different; Justin Ambrose and Abigail Radford spent much of their time away from each other not developing their relationship until months went by. For the first half of the story they were nothing more than acquaintances.
But wait! There is a reason for the buildup. Justin and Abigail's story finally takes off and it soars. The apprehension, pressure, and anguish that Abigail went through! Justin, Justin, Justin....sometimes I just wanted to knock some sense into him. I was fretting while I read the last 100 pages.
This is not a 'clean' romance but what actually happened is vanilla flavored. Abigail's older brother and sister-in-law are rotten to the core. They were the villains in the story; more so than Justin's enemies that he fought.
A Splendid Defiance was all about tidbits of reality saturated with fabricated and non-fictitious characters. The plot had a slow pace and Justin was not always likable even though he had good intentions. It was a complicated story with layers; Ms. Riley excelled at bringing medieval times to life. It earned a solid four stars.
It is interesting to note that Ms. Riley was able to mix a time in history that actually occurred, some fictitious characters that felt true to the era and also included a romance. It is about a dark time during the English Civil War in the mid-1600's. Politics and religion go head-to-head. Everyone is affected from commoners to royalty and, needless-to-say, it split families and friends.
First and foremost, the story is thick with documented scenes that actually happened. Miss Riley made this period of time mesmerizing and left you, the reader, to judge the characters. Lord Digby, Justin's dislikable foe, was very real and was the ancestor of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Prince Rupert, Fiennes and Lilburne all had their pros and cons. And there were so many others.
Ms. Riley is aka Juliet Blyth who wrote The Parfit Knight. It was wonderful but A Splendid Defiance had more realism, texture and anguish filling the pages. Its scope was very different; Justin Ambrose and Abigail Radford spent much of their time away from each other not developing their relationship until months went by. For the first half of the story they were nothing more than acquaintances.
But wait! There is a reason for the buildup. Justin and Abigail's story finally takes off and it soars. The apprehension, pressure, and anguish that Abigail went through! Justin, Justin, Justin....sometimes I just wanted to knock some sense into him. I was fretting while I read the last 100 pages.
This is not a 'clean' romance but what actually happened is vanilla flavored. Abigail's older brother and sister-in-law are rotten to the core. They were the villains in the story; more so than Justin's enemies that he fought.
A Splendid Defiance was all about tidbits of reality saturated with fabricated and non-fictitious characters. The plot had a slow pace and Justin was not always likable even though he had good intentions. It was a complicated story with layers; Ms. Riley excelled at bringing medieval times to life. It earned a solid four stars.
September 24, 2017
3.5 stars. I love Stella Riley's understated historical romances. They're usually sweet, simple development of relationships between the MCs set in an entertaining, delightfully atmospheric Victorian setting, though not at all fluff. There are bad guys and problems to be worked out but generally just a wonderful, enjoyable read.
So for me, this one was a terrible departure from that expectation. Abigail Radford was a Puritan girl, living with her family in Banbury during the English Civil War in the 1600's between the King and Parliament. Justin Ambrose was a Royalist officer stationed at the garrison in Banbury, and after a few encounters, he and Abby strike up a friendship which has to remain secret because Abby's older brother Jonas is rabidly religious and particularly loathing of anything Royalist, and Justin specifically.
The relationship was slow to unfold, as the time Abby & Justin had together was by necessity and due to Justin's duties, far too brief. The author gave the events of the war a good deal of time, as this was Justin's life though it wasn't overdone enough to be tedious. However, Abby's treatment by Jonas and his wife Rachel was horrible and abusive, both emotionally and physically as well, as women in that age, added to the Puritan values, had virtually no rights at all other than what was allowed them by the head of their household. I spent so much of the book either boiling and furious or outright ragey that it was really difficult to enjoy the story, no exaggeration.
Almost at the point of no return, Justin finds out what Abby has been enduring and takes her from Jonas's house *which was terribly scandalous and the utter ruin of her reputation* and moves her to the garrison. At this point their relationship begins to grow and change, even as Justin fights it *annoyingly* though he has his reasons. I quite enjoyed Abby learning to speak up and ask for the things she wanted and the ending was well deserved, even if it was left until the absolute last.
The one thing that made all the awful things at all tolerable was the always amazing voice performance of the wonderful Alex Wyndham!! Terrific audio, an interesting look at history, sweet *stubborn* romance all make this a worthwhile read, though the horrible secondaries did take a toll on the story, for me.
So for me, this one was a terrible departure from that expectation. Abigail Radford was a Puritan girl, living with her family in Banbury during the English Civil War in the 1600's between the King and Parliament. Justin Ambrose was a Royalist officer stationed at the garrison in Banbury, and after a few encounters, he and Abby strike up a friendship which has to remain secret because Abby's older brother Jonas is rabidly religious and particularly loathing of anything Royalist, and Justin specifically.
The relationship was slow to unfold, as the time Abby & Justin had together was by necessity and due to Justin's duties, far too brief. The author gave the events of the war a good deal of time, as this was Justin's life though it wasn't overdone enough to be tedious. However, Abby's treatment by Jonas and his wife Rachel was horrible and abusive, both emotionally and physically as well, as women in that age, added to the Puritan values, had virtually no rights at all other than what was allowed them by the head of their household. I spent so much of the book either boiling and furious or outright ragey that it was really difficult to enjoy the story, no exaggeration.
Almost at the point of no return, Justin finds out what Abby has been enduring and takes her from Jonas's house *which was terribly scandalous and the utter ruin of her reputation* and moves her to the garrison. At this point their relationship begins to grow and change, even as Justin fights it *annoyingly* though he has his reasons. I quite enjoyed Abby learning to speak up and ask for the things she wanted and the ending was well deserved, even if it was left until the absolute last.
The one thing that made all the awful things at all tolerable was the always amazing voice performance of the wonderful Alex Wyndham!! Terrific audio, an interesting look at history, sweet *stubborn* romance all make this a worthwhile read, though the horrible secondaries did take a toll on the story, for me.
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