Welcome to Stella Riley’s Books

Awards

The Book Excellence Awards is an international book awards competition dedicated to helping authors and publishers increase their visibility, credibility and book sales. Authors who have entered our awards program have been featured in media such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Forbes, the Huffington Post and more. 

 

I am delighted to announce that Cadenza has been awarded the Book Excellence Award for 2021 in the category of Romance.

Cadenza – Romance (bookexcellenceawards.com)

 

Click on the B.R.A.G. Medallion for a complete list of awards or the covers below to the individual books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.R.A.G. (Book Readers Appreciation Group) brings together a large group of readers located throughout the United States and in ten other countries around the globe in search of talented self-published authors and help their work achieve the recognition it deserves.

 

And 2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award for: Cadenza

 

 

 

Readers’ Favourite,  a fast-growing book review and award contest site, has earned the respect of renowned publishers such as Penguin, Random House and Harper Collins.  It has won “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors and is fully accredited.

About Me

I wrote my first novel, Lucifer’s Champion, to find out if I was actually capable of writing  a book . It turned out that I was … but that I had a lot to learn.  Consequently, by the time poor Lucifer was finally published, it had been through so many incarnations it was neither fish nor fowl – which is why I will never re-issue it.

After Lucifer,  came The Marigold Chain.  The version currently available, is not the 1983 original.  It was an early work and changes were needed so I used the opportunity to make them.

Next came A Splendid Defiance – the first of my Civil War novels and possibly, still, the one dearest to my heart.  Banbury made the perfect backdrop – a town full of Puritans and a castle held by the Cavaliers for four years and through an epic fourteen-week siege.  It was a wonderful opportunity to tell  the true story of just one English castle and the real men who defended it.

Inevitably, Defiance led to my Roundheads & Cavaliers series:-
The Black Madonna, Garland of Straw, The King’s Falcon and Lords of Misrule.
The series begins in 1639 and, by the end of Misrule, has reached 1655. There may be one more book to come, featuring Toby Maxwell and the Restoration … but only time will tell.

Part-way through writing the R&C books, I decided I needed a change of pace – hence The Parfit Knight and The Mésalliance.

So why the mid-Georgians rather than the Regency?
I could be flippant and say I’ve a fondness for men with long hair … which would be true but isn’t by any means the whole story.  I find the period more robust and less constrained; and the fashions in general – but particularly for the men – were much more flamboyant and, in my opinion, sexier.  The Rockliffe series has grown with the addition of The Player ,   The Wicked Cousin ,  Hazard,  Cadenza

Along the way, I decided to venture into the world of audio books.  As a result, all seven  Rockliffe books and also A Splendid Defiance   and  The Marigold Chain are all available in audio, narrated by superbly talented Alex Wyndham.

All titles are available in paperback and e-versions can be purchased from  Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, and i-Tunes.

Happy reading!

429 thoughts on “Welcome to Stella Riley’s Books”

  1. Hello Stella
    Delighted to see ‘The Wicked Cousin’ available to pre-order on Amazon – I have ordered my copy! Will leave a review after it has been read, as I am anticipating it will be as enjoyable as all your other books I am really looking forward to reading it.
    Thank you for the hours of enjoyment I have received from your hard work in writing such interesting factual books …

  2. Thank you for your novels – I first read the Marigold Chain many many years ago and was lucky to then find a copy of a Splendid Defiance – after that, a drought! Have recently found and purchased from Thriftbooks, The Mesalliance, Garland of Straw and the Black Madonna. I really enjoy your story lines and characters – and am looking forward to tracking down other novels you have written. Thank you for hours of enjoyment and mental stimulation…..

    1. Thank you for your kind comments, AC – and Merry Christmas. As you may or may not be aware, all my titles are available in paperback from Amazon and now the Rockliffe series and A Splendid Defiance are also audiobooks.

  3. Thanks so much for your reply…Christmas will be good–a little present to myself. Hopefully we will see Rockliffe Four in 2017. I know how everyday life sometimes gets in the way! No matter what, just keep writing please. Thanks again.

  4. Thank you for your comments, Kathie – and I’m really glad you enjoyed Eden’ story.
    As for the audio of A Splendid Defiance … unless something completely unforeseen happens, it should be out before Christmas as Alex is starting work on it later this week.
    And Rockliffe Four (having been seriously delayed by other stuff) is still in its infancy but will hopefully now start to progress.

  5. Hello Stella,
    Could you give us an update of when “A Splendid Defiance” will be released in audio by the wonderful Alex Wyndham? I have read it (and loved it) but would like to have the audio version as well. Also, how is Rockliffe 4 coming along? I have read all of your books so far, except for the “Marigold Chain” which I am saving for an upcoming vacation. And, by the way, I am an American and I was perfectly happy with Eden’s story and Lydia as his choice. I figured as long as Eden was happy, so was I. He deserved a HEA. Thank you for providing many hours of reading pleasure!

  6. Then you may be surprised to learn that The Kings Falcon was the first one I found in the library, which lead me to Defiance, Madonna and Garland. They (Suffolk Libraries) also have Lords of Misrule too so I have just reserved it and hope the current borrower finishes reading it early as I am already getting withdrawal symptoms! (still there is Poldark back on tv to look forward to) I have nothing against electronic communication (obviously!) but do prefer a “real book” when reading for pleasure. I am a passionate believer in the importance of public libraries, and it breaks my heart to see how denuded our libraries shelves have become. I suspect your books are all recently purchased as they were all in very good condition. I shall look out for your other titles.

  7. Dear Stella, I have been confining most of my fact and fiction reading to the seventeenth century for the last couple of years, so was delighted to find the first four of your Civil War novels in my local library. They have kept me spellbound for the whole of August! I now hope they have the fifth too as I didn’t know it existed until happening on your blog. The characters have all become very real and it is both comforting and exciting to know the story hasn’t yet ended. I find the complexities of the politics of the period fascinating as they have for me so many echoes with our own times. May the past continue to inspire you!

    1. If you’ve found copies of any of my books in your local library, Sarah, you’ve done well! Most original copies are now in pieces, I suspect. However, I’m assuming the 4 titles you refer to are Marigold, Defiance, Madonna & Garland. Since I’m now publishing independently, you won’t find the 2 more recent ECW titles – The King’s Falcon and Lords of Misrule in the library. The books are only available from Amazon – in both e-format and paperback. On a separate note, if you like audio-books, look out for Defiance later this year. It will be narrated by lovely (and ridiculously talented) Alex Wyndham who has already performed my Rockliffe series. Thanks for getting in touch. Always a pleasure to hear from my readers.

  8. Dear Stella. Thank you so much for the Roundheads and Cavaliers books. I can appreciate how much effort, energy and time has gone into this series from the very thorough historical research you undertake and then how seamlessly you incorporate historical fact with your storyline. Your very deft touch reminds me of Georgette Heyer – are you a fan of hers too? I absolutely love your work – please make it two books and not one on our journey to the Restoration!

    1. Thank you Melanie – so glad you’ve been enjoying the series. At present, I’m working on Rockliffe Four whilst also preparing A Splendid Defiance for transformation into audio – so no real thoughts about further R&C books. And Heyer? Yes, many moons ago. Doesn’t everyone respect her work?

  9. Hi Stella, I have loved your latest book Lords of Misrule, lovely to see what happens to all your characters as times goes by, Will you ever revisit any of the main characters in A Splendid Defiance? ( the first of your books I ever read and still my favourite ) Thank you for continuing to write 🙂

    1. Hi Gillian
      So glad you enjoyed Misrule – in many senses, a tricky book to write. As for revisiting previous characters, it’s difficult to say. Sometimes they reappear naturally; sometimes not. At present I’m working on Rockliffe Four. But later this year you’ll hopefully have the opportunity of hearing Defiance performed by lovely (and incredibly talented) Alex Wyndham.

  10. Dear Stella (If I may?)

    I have been loving your books for years – even contacting your then agent JP periodically for news of the next ones back in the 80s – so I am SO glad you are writing again. I’m also loving the revisions (Mesalliance always felt a bit unsatisfying in places – as if pieces were missing – and it is very good to see what they were!). I’m writing now as I went to Smashwords to buy some more and found that Garland of Straw and The Black Madonna are not on there. I am not a fan of Kindle versions (my IT has a constitutional objection to it) so I was wondering if they will ever be on Smashwords?

    Best wishes

    JAne

    1. Hi Jane
      I’m glad you enjoyed the revised version of Mesalliance and hope you also liked The Player. Alex Wyndham has done a brilliant job on all 3 Rockliffe audios and will be narrating A Splendid Defiance later this year depending on his schedule.
      Regarding Smashwords, I sell so few books there (particularly the R& C series) I find I’m better off sticking with Amazon – but the new R&C book, Lords of Misrule is available there now for a short time. And all my titles are also available in paperback from Amazon and Createspace.
      Hope this helps.

  11. I read Black Madonna earlier this year and became hooked on the series. Except for A Splendid Defiance, I have the others in quick succession. I finished Misrule this evening. I enjoyed catching up with the Maxwells. Kate and Luciano remain my favorite couple although I like the others as well. Although she was a minor character, I did feel sorry for poor Verity. After saving Nick, she lost him to Phoebe. Perhaps, there will be a happy ending for her yet. I will read Defiance next (I know-out of order) and then check out your other series. Keep up the good work. Finally, could you identify the cover art for these books? I would like to know whose portraits are on the covers. Thanks.

    1. So glad you’ve enjoyed the R&C series – thank you for your comments. Re the covers … here goes.
      Madonna – Frances Stuart , Duchess of Richmond. This the only one not perfectly true to period. It’s a few years too late but the gown looked like the one the Queen gave Kate! Painted by Lely.
      Garland – Sir William Compton, school of Lely. Meet Will again and for longer in Defiance.
      Falcon – Mounted Cavalier by Messonier.
      Misrule – unknown 17th century Dutch lady who I felt would pass for Lydia.
      Defiance – Rupert of the Rhine by Jan Mytens, owned by Banbury Town Council. Banbury is where the book is set.
      The Rockliffe series are much lighter and shorter. The audios are wonderful – Alex Wyndham is amazingly talented!

  12. I finished Lords of Misrule just over a week ago (loved it) and immediately read Black Madonna again. It is still my favourite and the start of a long journey for all your fans. A very satisfying finish for Eden and I must agree that a final book in the series would be a real treat. Here’s hoping….

    1. So pleased you enjoyed Misrule, Carol and liked Eden’s HEA. It is interesting that British readers (I’m assuming you’re one!) agreed with you and understood that Lydia was the right woman for him – whereas American readers took a very different view. Thank you for your comments.

  13. Loved the Rockliffe audio books, any plans to write a book about, Cassie, Madeleine, Nicholas, all three would be great characters in a new book

  14. I have just finished The Lords Of Misrule… I never did like Old Wart on His Nose and always have found the internecine squabbling of the Roundheads deeply depressing so many congratulations on making such an entertaining novel out of such a gloomy stretch of history. You cannot leave us in limbo though, we need to get to the Restoration before we bid this series farewell. I have a feeling that might need two more volumes. We need book five about the Sealed Knot and its betrayal…and the then the Restoration. Toby would be an interesting hero but unless he gets involved in Luciano’s banking and shipping interests possibly not politically involved enough for the main character. I should like him to have a happy ending though. Ned Moulton is an interesting thought and I have always wanted to know more about tbe Royalist family Eden was billeted on… Weren’t the children there twins? Another person I have always been curious about was Susanna’s son by her husband. Other than being saddled with Isobel we know notbing about him but he must have potential as a hero witb a tragic past.

    1. Not just gloomy, Anne-Marie – but totally lacking in highlights. Truthfully, I found the whole period a struggle and was quite glad to see the back of it. As for all the other points you raise … they’ll take some thought. All being well, I would like to get as far as the Restoration – though two books of this magnitude may be a stretch. However, at present I’m at the opening stages of Rockliffe Four, so all my focus is on that.

  15. Stella–read Misrule very quickly so need a new fix ASAP! I have been reading the other comments and agree that Toby needs exploring!! As for Rock 4!! I love Rock! Can that nice girl Cassie ( Nell’s friend–I think its Cassie) have a happy ending???

  16. I am so glad that Lords of Misrule is now available in print. I have ordered it. I can understand you would like a little relaxation now but the thought of more R & C to come in the future makes me very happy! Many thanks for the hours of pleasure you have already given me to say nothing of the pleasure to come. I can now start Book 3 knowing I still have a book in reserve! Viv.

  17. Or in my opinion – I rather thought Ned Moulton’s character would be worth exploring – he seemed to have a good time in Misrule. But then Stella, you are doing the writing and one never knows where the story lines will take you. The protagonists in future books may be people we have not yet encountered. I too look forward to Rockcliffe 4 – I so enjoyed Adrian and Caroline’s story. I would like to thank you again for the hours of enjoyment you have given me since I fist bought Marigold Chain in the 1980s!

    1. Ned Moulton? That’s an interesting idea. He’s just an also-ran I didn’t expect anyone to remember him – let alone think him worth putting in the lead.

  18. Hi Stella, it’s me again, yes, I do think Toby is hero-material and also young enough to get to the restoration with a womaniser’s reputation, go for it!

    1. I reckon Aubrey would make a good hero too – he needs to be redeemed after his behaviour in Misrule!

        1. I reckon he has hidden depths, Stella. There has to be a reason he behaved the way he did towards Eden. Especially after Eden saved his hide. And then he wasn’t at the second wedding! I’m always suspicious of anything you leave hanging without any sort of explanation.

  19. I have just finished Lords of Misrule – thank you for any fantastic read (and I will make sure I do another Amazon review for you). I discovered your books as a teenager over 20 years ago and was delighted when you started writing again.

    I am not in the slightest surprised to hear that you are moving back to the Rockcliffe series – I can only imagine the amount of research needed to complete one of the R&C books. However….are you contemplating any more? I would love to see what happens to everyone following the Restoration.

    1. Thanks for your kind remarks, Catherine – and also offering to review. That’s always helpful. (Well, nearly always!) At present, my focus is on Rockliffe Four (no title yet as it’s in its infancy) but yes – I think it would be nice to round off the R&C series by arriving at the Restoration. Toby seems to have acquired a few fans … but is he hero-material?

  20. Thank you Stella for all your hard work. It cannot be easy to write novels that give the reader a love story, a mystery/suspense story, and both historical detail and scope. Your story-telling invites the reader to move back in time and live with the characters, and I for one am always reluctant to leave them when the book is finished.

    As much as I’ve enjoyed the love stories and the development of the family dynamics, I’ve found the history completely engrossing and compelling. Your descriptions of both the early efforts at Parliamentary decision-making and the character of warfare at the time of England’s first standing army are fascinating. We are a contentious species, are we not? And the way you write about both kings, allows us to experience them as men and not only a caricature or a simple emblem of kingship. In fact your writing elevates and ennobles most of the characters whether king, merchant, soldier, or war-widow.

    I discovered your books on Kindle and, having just finished “Lords of Misrule”, I have read them all now. I’ve also listened to the Rockliffe trilogy on audio even though I’d read the books in print probably a year ago. I listened because I knew Alex Wyndham would do justice to all your characters.

    Given how complex your books are, I imagine you need a break from writing after completing “Lords of Misrule” but I do hope we will be able to read more from you in the future. I will also watch for more of your books becoming available in audio format.

    Thank you again for spending all the time and concentrated effort it takes to produce fiction that pulls the reader in, twirls us about, then sets us down on the other side both entertained and better informed.

    1. Thank you so much for contacting me, Karen. I found your views and obvious insight very interesting – and think others would too if you packaged them into a brief review. However … yes, finishing an R&C book is always a bit of a milestone. A milestone that, in many senses these days, is responsible for my decision to continue with the Rockliffe series. They’re lightweight in comparison and I can write them for fun and my own entertainment. As for Alex, he’s wonderful, isn’t he? Working with him is a privilege and a pleasure – and I’m looking forward to hearing what he does with A Splendid Defiance.
      Thanks again for getting in touch and delighted that you enjoyed Misrule.

      1. I am REALLY looking forward to A SPLENDID DEFIANCE ? I’m assuming that he’s all yours now that he’s completed Lucinda’s Salt set?

        1. Yes, Wendy, I believe he is – though one can never rule out a sudden, surprise acting job. However, the dates are now fixed and, all being well, we’ll have a December release.

          1. I can’t choose a favourite, Stella. I love everything you write but you know I have a real soft spot for my ‘first Stella’, MARIGOLD! I just love that misunderstood young man, Alex ?

  21. Are there plans to have your Civil War series in audio? If there are, As someone who likes historical fiction with love stories and who also likes to read audio books I’m sure these would be up my alley in both cases. I’m also going to buy them on Kindle. I In fact, I first saw your name when my Audible recommendations said that I would like one of your books.

    1. Yes – though maybe not all of them. Later this year, Alex will be starting work on A Splendid Defiance – my only stand-alone English Civil War novel. The actual R&C series of books are all VERY long – paperbacks run to roughly 620 pages – therefore audio is something to be considered very seriously from my point of view. However, thanks for contacting me and, if you haven’t read any of my work, I’d suggest you give it a go before deciding where to start.

  22. Stella- I have the Cavalier series since they came out. Do the new paperbacks have the reworking in them that you have done for the ebooks? Is the Marigold Chain the same as it was or has that been reworked? I was thinking of ordering the new design paperbacks as a late birthday present! the old ones are getting a bit worn! Plus i have all of your books on Kindle!

    1. The new paperbacks have all the same extensions and changes as the Kindle editions. If you do consider buying them, I’d advise you to put Defiance on hold for a few weeks as I’m in the process of replacing the cover to bring it in line with the e-version.

  23. I have been waiting patiently to hear the date I can buy Lords of Misrule in paperback form. Are we any nearer on a date? Many thanks Viv.

  24. You didn’t really expect me to give any secrets away, did you Susana? Sorry – but you’ll have to be patient a bit longer. I’m glad you’re enjoying lovely Alex. He has an amazing talent and is a pleasure to work with. All being well, we will be bringing A Splendid Defiance to audio later this year.

    1. I knew you wouldn’t so I will have to wait until May. Thank you for your prompt reply and look forward to A Splendid Defiance in audio. Regards, Susana.

  25. Hi Stella, can’t wait to read Lords of Misrule, is Nicholas Austin getting together with Phoebe? I know I should wait to read the book but I can’t think of anyone else. I have already pre ordered it and I’m loving the Player in audio book. I didn’t think I would like audio books as I prefer the written format but you are right, there is something very special about Mr Whydham. Regards, susana

  26. I have pre ordered the new book as well. I have read the synopsis and was a bit sad that Eden appears to not get together with Phoebe.

    1. It would never have worked with Phoebe, Lesley. Her life is at Ford Edge in Yorkshire. If Eden had wanted to be a country gent (which he doesn’t) he has lands of his own in Oxfordshire. But don’t worry about Phoebe. And that’s all I’ll say!

  27. So glad that Eden’s story is coming out soon. I have already pre-ordered on Amazon and can’t wait to see what happens. My favourite is definitely Garland of Straw as I love Gabriel’s characterisation. Can’t wait for May when the book should be delivered.

  28. I was delighted to get the E mail saying that Lords of Misrule is available for order on Amazon. I was very disappointed to find there was only a Kindle version and I am a book buyer! Any chance of a paperback version before long? There’s no pleasing some people is there!1 Many thanks Viv.

  29. Hello Stella,

    I just finished The Black Madonna and I enjoyed the story and the historical aspects of the book. I am wondering if the Madonna Luciano had as part of the agreement with his uncle is a particular Black Madonna? How did you get the idea to use that? What is the backstory of the Madonna? I bought the book because of the title and kept wondering how the title fit into the story line (unless I missed something in the book). I would love to hear more about that aspect of the title and story.

    1. Hi Julia
      No, I don’t think you missed anything but equally, there really isn’t that much more to add that wasn’t in the book. The Madonna had been in the Falcieri family for generations and, though intrinsically valueless, had become the symbol of the family’s luck – until Luciano’s father took it with him to England. Naturally, it’s worth a lot to Uncle Vittorio and he wants it back badly enough to loan Luciano a spectacular sum of money in order to get it. The actual Madonna is as described … small, unadorned obsidian; and as to where the original idea came from … I honestly can’t remember. One thinks of many, many things whilst plotting a book of this complexity. All I can tell you is that Genoa (from whence Luciano’s family comes) is full of small statues of the Virgin Mary in all manner of locations, not just in churches – so perhaps it was that.

  30. Hi,

    I’ve just read The Parfit Knight and The Mésalliance and I wanted to thank you for writing such great stories. I’m really looking forward to The Player and I’m happy to know there are other books in your backlist.
    Just a little correction for the use of the word “sadistic” in The Mésalliance. Even if the characters were Sade’s contemporaries, that word is anachronistic for that period.

    1. Hi Paola
      Thank you for your comments and I’m glad you enjoyed the books. The audios are brilliantly read by Alex. Even if you aren’t into that form, go to Audible or Amazon and listen to a sample.

  31. Thank you for your prompt reply. Next month doesn’t seem so far away-I’ll keep my eyes peeled! Viv.

  32. I do hope that your reply to Corinne doesn’t mean that Lords of Misrule has gone onto the back burner! Having got into March I was hoping to have concrete news of it before long. What it is to suffer demanding readers!! Viv.

    1. Hi Viv
      The final stages of Lords of Misrule has been delayed somewhat by audio related stuff but hasn’t been halted completely. I’m just completing the second edit and am still hoping to put it on pre-order at Amazon early next month. Hope this alleviates any suffering!

  33. I really don’t know how I missed your books in my younger days, since I devoured English historicals over almost any period! However, having found your books on Amazon, for Kindle, I want to thank you unreservedly for such wonderful storytelling, seamlessly mixing fiction with historical fact. I assume that there was some rewriting for the Kindle versions of your books, but I would be interested to know if this was the reason for the Maxwell family being mentioned in ‘A Splendid Defiance’, which I believe was written in ’85, whereas ‘Black Madonna’ was written seven years later?

    Having read that the fourth book in this series will be available to preorder soon, I am looking forward to reading Eden Maxwell’s story – how could your heart not bleed for him? – although I have only just started ‘Garland of Straw’ [I read ‘Marigold Chain’ first, then ‘Black Madonna and ‘A Splendid Defiance] and so I still have a few of your books to immerse myself in. Thank you again for hours of absorbing reading – and teaching me something about the English Civil War period, which I thought I knew reasonably well but thanks to your books have found that I didn’t know that well at all!

    1. Hi Corinne
      Thank you for your comments – and I’m glad you’re enjoying the R&C series. Yes, I made some extensions and revisions to the books when issuing them in e-format and linking the Maxwells to Defiance seemed an obvious choice given the time-frame and location.
      At present, as you may know, I’m occupied fairly exclusively with my new venture into audiobooks, the second of which will be out soon. Later this year, I am hoping that A Splendid Defiance will also be transformed into audio, narrated by the extremely talented Mr Wyndham.

  34. Thank you for your reply. i must confess i prefer a book in the hand and will wait for Lords of Misrule as patiently as I know how!My daughter now has The Black Madonna on her Kindle and I have strongly advised she next gets Garland of Straw ! Viv Kirby

  35. I am delighted to find out you have started to write again and have the 3rd Civil War book waiting to be read after I have re-read the first two again which I bought on publication. Do you have a title for number 4 yet? I am looking forward to reading of the good news you expect to post soo. With many thanks for the hours of pleasure your books have already given me! Viv Kirby

    1. Hi Viv
      My recent news (which you seem to have missed!) is a venture into audio with my Rockliffe series. The Parfit Knight, narrated by Alex Wyndham, is currently available from Audible, Amazon and i-tunes and Alex is currently working on The Mesalliance which will follow in a few weeks.
      As for the Civil War books, Number 4 – Lords of Misrule – is near completion and should be released in the spring. Thank you for your interest.

  36. Actually, I noticed that clicking on the titles gave more information – it is just “scattered”. But that site is very handy when looking for authors etc. And they do quite a good job matching likely reads. As do Amazon. Just spreading your footprints. Cheers, Margo

    1. Hi Margo
      Fantastic Fiction (like many similar sites) do their own thing. I have alerted them to the fact that my page is out of date and incomplete but have no idea whether or not they’ll do anything about it. Perhaps readers like yourself addressing them directly might have more effect? We poor authors have little or no control.

  37. Hi Stella, Re your visibility – you could update your bio (including this site) on the Fantastic Fiction site maybe? Even though it includes your other noms de plume (if that’s correct French?) it really doesn’t give enough information about your backlist. “Marigold Chain” is the only one apart from the first 3 set in the Civil War to be mentioned. For those who like the lighter side, and are more accustomed to reading Regency stories a blurb re Rockliffe et al might be an idea. The site does have reference to other novelists in that genre. Regards Margo.
    PS I did mean the earlier comment about proof reading – though I did make a couple of mistakes in my hurry – my keyboard isn’t as sensitive and if I don’t look back I later find missing letters!

    1. Hi Margo
      Actually I updated my bio here on WP fairly recently when we gave it a new ‘look’. I’ll take another look at Fantastic Fiction – though I seem to recall adding info there isn’t easy. However, I’m currently having a website built along with other marketing tools so we’ll see what happens. Meanwhile, I would suggest you keep an eye open on WP – there’s some very exciting news due soon.

  38. Very interesting, Stella. As you know it is because of Caz that I found you – I still can’t believe I missed you the first time around. I’m so happy you’ve got your mojo back!
    I prefer to read on a kindle app but still like to have hard copies of my favourite authors books, of which you are one. I’ll make sure I have copies of everything for when we eventually meet 🙂

    1. Thanks for visiting, Wendy. I’m still looking for ways to make this site more visible – it’s amazing how many readers still haven’t found it yet.

  39. Hi Stella,

    Do you have a publication date for your new book? Will it be possible to pre-order in amazon like the other two? I can’t hardly wait for book 4 (roundheads and cavaliers). thank you, Susana

    1. Hi Susana
      At present, Eden’s story is roughly 75/80% written so no, sorry but I can’t predict a release date yet. I will be putting it on pre-order at Amazon but it’s unlikely to be before March/April time. Meanwhile, keep an eye on my site here at WP. I’m hoping to announce some quite different but equally exciting news soon.

  40. My dates were out for Freeborn John, I had forgotten his demise was before the next installment is set. The chronology of the ECW is a devilish thing to keep in one’s head. You do a remarkable job. But it is interesting now that the wives of the English radicals are now getting the coverage they deserve,

    1. Yes – it’s a lot to retain. However, Lilburne (as I’m sure you know) didn’t die until 1657 but is out of commission, as it were, for the duration of my current book which is covering the period from December 1653 to a so far unspecifed point in 1655.

  41. I agree with Margo about the kicking. But he does seem to have pulled himself up by the bootstraps in Falcon, we just didn’t get to see it happen. I suspect (and I might be wrong) that one reason for the preoccupation your readers have with Eden is that although he needs his only story but we also want to know more about what happens to the other characters that surrounded him in the Madonna and Garland. Sam and Bryony (end of Garland left me wanting to know what happened to them even if Sam has obviously been released by the time of Falcon), Phoebe (in particular) is a delightful character, as is Felix/Toby and (sadly) Freeborn John. I do look forward to (hopefully) following them further and possibly more about Venetia and Gabriel.

    1. You can certainly look forward to meeting Gabriel and Venetia again in the next book – also Toby, Tabitha, Dorothy, Jude & Mary. Unfortunately, Lilburne was imprisoned immediately on his return to England in 1653, put on trial, acquitted of ‘any crime deserving death’, returned to the Tower and then sent to Jersey for safekeeping. This is why there’s no possibility of him cropping up on my pages – except in brief reference.

      1. Hi Stella – I’d like to add that thanks to your books giving me an interest in the period I’m now doing an online course through Oxford University AC on England 1640-1660…what a complex period it was. First time I’ve used my brain in years so thank you!
        On a totally separate issue – having read The Player a couple of times can I look forward to a story about Nicholas Wynstanton and the alluded to possible romance?!
        Jo

        1. Hi Jo
          Good luck with your Uni course. 1640-60 is a great period in English history and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the complexities. As far as The Player is concerned, I can only say ‘maybe’ at this stage. I’m stuck in the writing-cave with Eden and daren’t look outside yet.

  42. Hi Stella, On rereading ‘The Marigold Chain’ recently, I had a thought that the height of the male Wynstantons, allied with the dark eyes, (though maybe not handsomeness; the lady would of course contribute) could be attributed to certain royal genetics? About the time of the 1st Duke of Rockliffe? As I said, just a thought! Margot

  43. Thank you! I’ve spent the past few weeks acquainting myself with your Regency romances and Roundhead and Cavalier books, and am most seriously pleased. Eden Maxwell’s story I am sure will not disappoint.

    1. Hi Nadia
      I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the books. Eden’s story is progressing and is now about half-written but it’s still too soon for me to be able to predict a release date.

  44. And an afterthought – as a newspaper-trained proof reader I would be happy to offer my services. For instance – Marcus Sheringham is Mr in The Parfit Knight, and elevated to Baron in The Player. Margo

    1. Hi Margot
      Thank you for taking the time to contact me and for your comments. Your remark about giving Eden a swift kick gave both my husband and myself a good laugh. Though naturally I am delighted that so many readers are besotted with Eden, I am vaguely baffled by their continued devotion.
      With regard to Marcus Sheringham, I realise that you are right and that obviously I should have re-read the previous works whilst writing The Player.
      As for your kind offer to proof-read, perhaps you might contact me on my g-mail address for more private discussion.
      stellarileyecw@gmail.com

  45. Nice to get 2 new books almost together – I had hard covers of Lucifer’s Champion, Marigold Chain, Garland of Straw and paperback of A Splendid Defiance, didn’t know of the Rockliffe set, or find a copy of The Black Madonna until you reappeared :Huzzah, huzzay! on Amazon. So I have uploaded the e-books I was missing and splurged. Unlike most of your readers, I felt like giving Eden a swift kick on several occasions, (which doesn’t stop me from hoping your muse keeps you writing his story – he has improved) All your main protagonists are intriguing, male and female alike, and I liked Alex, Justin and Luciano. I think your Georgian heroes reveal more of their feelings and thoughts and that has carried through to King’s Falcon – so Eden my improve still further? Just please keep writing. And thank you for hours of enjoyable reading.. Margo

  46. Hi Stella, I yelled with delight when I found you on Amazon, having only old, battered copies of your books and spending many frustrating hours in second hand bookshops looking for titles I didn’t have. I have loved all of your books as it is your style of writing that I enjoy. As for heroes I would have to say that for me Justin just about edges out Alex. Great to have you back!

    1. Thank you, Kate. You are the first person to vote for Justin – and I’m glad you like Alex because recently, a couple of readers have taken a real dislike to him. Oddly enough, Gabriel Brandon is coming out slightly ahead so far – but it’s early days.

  47. Hi Stella,
    So glad to hear you are writing Eden’s story – in fact I’m so glad to see that you took up the keyboard again after such a long break. Having re read all of your Roundheads and Cavaliers series I was driven to write my own stories – and thanks to your inspiration I have finally summoned up the courage to publish on Amazon. I just had to say, ‘Thank you’ for your stories and your inspiration – and please, carry on writing 🙂
    Paula

    1. Hi Paula
      Congratulations on writing and publishing on Amazon. Aside from the achievement, I hope it’s going well for you. I’m honoured that you found my books some sort of inspiration. Reading something you like and feel you could try it yourself is a nice way to start. I began when I read something particularly dreadful and thought, as so many of us do, ‘I could do better than that!’ … and was then motivated to try. Meanwhile, I’ll look out for you on Amazon.

      1. Hi Stella, I’m trying to persuade Regency Romantics to sample Roundheads and Cavaliers – why is it that there are thousands of RR novels and so few about Cavaliers and Roundheads? Keep writing Stella – you are a bright star in a dark sky!

        1. Thank you, Paula – that is so kind. Part of the problem is that the English Civil War doesn’t play well in America – which, of course, is a huge market. Also, sites reviewing historical romance novels tend to shy away from historical fiction; and such sites also concentrate largely on high-profile writers – of which I am not one. But I do really appreciate the encouragement I receive from people like you. On days when the words just refuse to flow, it makes the fight worthwhile.

  48. Hi,

    I’ve read all your ebooks in a rush over the last week and a half – so enjoyable! I find your balance of history and romance hits the perfect spot. Thank you for giving me some really wonderful reads! “The Marigold Chain” is my #1 favourite, I think. Good luck with writing Eden’s book – can’t wait to read it whenever it’s available, and I hope you’ll be writing more books after his, too!

    1. Hi Emily,
      I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my books and thank you for your kind remarks. I find it interesting that your favourite is The Marigold Chain. On the whole, it’s received as much criticism as praise and I seem to recall one of the most recent reviewers taking a real dislike to Alex Deveril – so it’s good to hear from someone who (I presume) liked him.

  49. I have a handful of authors whose work I consider “keepers”and yours certainly ranks among them. I enjoy books that make you think about what you are reading and see how the same event is perceived by the different characters. Your books remind me of those written by Dorothy Dunnett, they are rich tapestries of people both real and imaginary and the fascinating times in which they lived. Whether they are set in the upheaval of the English Civil War or the lovely decadence that is Georgian England they are wonderful to read and I look forward to your next books.

    1. Hi Beth,
      Thank you for your extremely kind remarks and I’m glad my books give you pleasure. It’s also nice to hear from someone who enjoys both series – generally, I find it’s either one or the other.

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