Surrender the Stars

The Raveneau Novels, Book 2

By: Cynthia Wright

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Renegade sea captain Ryan Coleraine is persuaded to accompany the adventurous Raveneau family to Regency London to spy for America during the War of 1812. The sardonic Coleraine must take the place of their son, who is in the West Indies, and pretend to be a fop. Lindsay Raveneau, a beautiful and independent bluestocking, finds herself with a "brother" who challenges and arouses her in the most unsettling ways...

Danger, intrigue, and forbidden passion mount as Ryan and Lindsay carry their daring masquerade to the elegant drawing rooms of Regency society. Adding to the tensions are Lindsay's parents - Andre and Devon Raveneau from Silver Storm - who must attempt to chaperone their daughter and her " brother" under their own roof!

©1987, 2012 Cynthia Challed (P)2014 Cynthia Challed

Another Exciting and Creative Raveneau Family book

I especially enjoyed this book from the Raveneau family series. The narrator was excellent and I loved the Characters. It was great getting to know more about the older Andre and Devon Raveneau, the lead characters in the first book. I also really enjoyed varied locations and associated descriptions and the twists and turns in the plot we're were very creative. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Waking up to the skies of love.

Surrender The Stars, is a mesmerizing adventure of Love. Well narrated, the story is not easily put away as you are guided from Connecticut to England in 1814, near the end of the war.
Espionage and intrigue bring bookish school teacher Lindsay Raveneau, her family, and roguish Ryan Coltrain into the fray of politics and war.
I felt drawn into the warmth of the dawning blossom of new love, when Lindsay and Ryan share a kiss under the stars on their way to England. A playful kitchen scene made me smile, truly enjoyable.
I highly recommend Surrender The Stars, by Cynthia Wright.

Historical Romance continues ...

What did you like best about this story?

Again, as with Book 1 (Silver Storm), I enjoyed the way Ms. Wright is able to seamlessly weave the fiction of a romance with the real historical events of the early 1800's.

Have you listened to any of Emily Beresford’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As a fan of Ms. Beresford's I have found her work to be consistently good. She has a flair for accents and the ability to give each character their own unique traits.

Any additional comments?

Surrender the Stars continues the Raveneau family saga. This time the story is centered on Lindsey Raveneau the youngest of Andre and Devon Raveneau's children. As a young school teacher, Lindsey's life is centered around books and therefore she isn't a 'lady about town'. This all changes when the senior Raveneaus are asked by the President to go to London to see who might be giving away the American's war secrets to the British. Helping out in this endeavor is sea captain Ryan Coleraine, one of Andre's ship's captains. By impersonating Nathan Raveneau, Ryan is able to get into the inner circles of London and gather information.

This is a book that I would listen to again and would recommend to others.

The narration built upon a great story.

I really enjoyed the audiobook. Lindsay and Ryan made a great pair. Their love grew despite everything around them and would carry them through some rough spots. When Lindsay thought that she might lose Ryan's love because she had acted against his wishes, her honesty and self reflection made my heart go out to her. The care that Ryan took with Lindsay, both in public and in private, is what most women would like to have. This story is part of a series and is not the first, but it did not take away from the story. It did make me want to go back and read the ones before and the ones after. Thank you, Cynthia Wright, for allowing me to enjoy a story that crossed the Atlantic to London and Ireland and back. I will be looking for your other books.

The narration by Emily Beresford brought these characters to life and added to the story.

Great second book in the series

If you could sum up Surrender the Stars in three words, what would they be?

Ships, romance and history

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed the way this story jumps forward in the timeline of the leads from the first book, Devon and Andre. Thank goodness they both seem to have gained much maturity. I loved having them throughout their youngest daughter's romance. Lindsey is feisty like her mother and a terrific match for Ryan. I really enjoyed their story.

What about Emily Beresford’s performance did you like?

She is a fabulous narrator!! I love her energy and the emotion she adds to the read. Her voices are great and make the characters come alive. I have listened to other reads by her and thoroughly enjoyed them. Really engaging and fun performance.

Any additional comments?

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Story is Good

I loved the story of the first book and the second , I just can not take the narration . I tried speeding it up and slowing it down lord it is HORRIBLE!! I am moving on to another series.

Behave, or You'll Have Children Just Like You!

⌂

This book begins with Andre and Devon from the first book, however they are much older. They have a daughter Lindsay, who is the same age that Devon was when she met her husband to be Andre.

This is set in 1812 and Andre is asked by the US government to move with Devon to England to spy for the colonies. This news does not sit well with Lindsay, who has been a schoolteacher for a few years – an occupation she loves. However, for the sake of country and her family she agrees to go.

Ryan has always looked up to Andre as an apprentice to a master. He eventually wants to work his way up and learn how to own a successful fleet of ships someday. He is chosen to playing the role of Devon and Andre's absent son in this charade.

Lindsey and Ryan do not have to do much acting as they squabble like a brother and sister would. As time goes on, they begin to look at each other in a not so familial way. This is soon noticed by Devon and she tries to 'nip it in the bud' before rumors can start about an "incestuous relationship."

Devon also believes that her daughter is much more pragmatic than she was at that age and sees the behavior is only a minor flirtation – still not appropriate between brother and sister.

As each family member learns more about a possible plot against the US things become more and more difficult. The focus is on the relationship between Brian & Lindsay… will his appreciation for other women drive her away? Does she even want to consider an affair at this time in her life?

The author has built a great set of characters and series of books in an interesting time in history. That is exciting as well as dangerous. I am really enjoying this series.

The narration is very, very good. Emily Beresford has talent, as she must perform an American accent in one minute, a British in the next and several others as the book nears its end.

Note: I cannot remember anything sticking out that would warrant a "warning"

*I received this entire series to listen to in exchange for my thoughts, opinions & all wrapped up in this review.* While I did receive this as a part of a bargain, I confidently recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the historical romance genre. It is well-thought-out and the execution by both the author and narrator deserve high marks, in my opinion.

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Great Story

What did you love best about Surrender the Stars?

The way they had humor even when they found themselves in difficult situations.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lindsey. She was a fresh as spring flower.

Have you listened to any of Emily Beresford’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I love to go on and on.

Any additional comments?

It took me awhile to get used to a ladies voice. After I listen to it awhile, I became used to it.

Cynthia Wright's novels stand the test of time

Where does Surrender the Stars rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the second of the author's Raveneau series I've listened to. I was very pleased with the narrator and how she helped create some very comical scenes.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Captain Ryan was my favorite character. He had depth, a huge sense of humor, and wasn't completely what he appeared to be.

What does Emily Beresford bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She does a marvelous job portraying the speech of Ryan parading within the ton as a fop.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is a wee bit too long for one sitting, but certainly the desire to continue listening to it was there.

Any additional comments?

About the Story: Lindsay Raveneau, the youngest daughter of Devon and Andre Raveneau, whom were the main characters in book 1, was prim and proper. She was also the schoolmistress in Pettipauge, Connecticut. The only complaint her parents had of her was she was too serious and a complete bluestocking. Her mother despaired of her ever finding a match.

However, her prim and proper demeanor came to a grinding halt when she met Ryan Coleraine, the captain of her father’s ship, the Chimera.

Ryan Coleraine was pleased with his last voyage on the Chimera. He loved the ship and with the steady prosperity he’d been able to obtain through his privateering, he was now in a position to ask Andre Raveneau if he could buy the ship. He’d struck out from Ireland and London on his own nine years ago. The freedom of the sea spoke to him and gave him the independence he craved.

All his dreams for the ship abruptly end when the ships in the harbor were put a fire by the British marines. He could do nothing about it for any show of force against the English forces would only gain more havoc and possible burning of the town.

His life further takes a turn when he was asked by his friend and mentor to masquerade as his son, Nathan, and to accompany him, Devon and their daughter, Lindsey, to London. The president of the young United States himself had requested this of Andre and he had little choice but to go. It was the patriotic choice, for they were to spy for America to understand what was afoot. Since Andre was of French ancestry, his eldest daughter married to a high-ranking man in English parliament, he would be little thought to be spying for America.
Devon comes up with the idea that Ryan dress and act as a fop, so he would be able to overhear what is happening at the balls, etc. It also helps hide his handsome, rugged, masculine features. Fops are known to be concerned about their clothing and slightly dull-witted. Ryan plays the part absolutely perfectly (a complete delight listening to the narrator with his dialog).

Since Ryan and Lindsey were constantly bickering they appeared to be normal siblings, well, until they couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other. Talk starts circulating they are committing incest, just like Lord Bryon.

Devon keeps what is happening from her husband for he would surely kill Ryan while she tries to keep Lindsey and Ryan apart. Lindsey apparently isn’t the young prim and proper young lady any longer.

~The Raveneau Novels~
The Silver Storm, book 1
Surrender the Stars, book 2
Silver Sea, book 3 Tempest, book 4

My Thoughts: Book 2 of the series is completely different from book 1, but not at all lacking.
Ryan fought hard to stay away from Lindsey. After all, she was his boss’s daughter. Her fiery personality only drew him closer, but they were playing with fire. If they should be caught, they may bring danger to the whole family. Lindsey was snared by Ryan whether she wanted to be or not. After their first kiss, she couldn’t keep him out of her mind. We slowly learn about Ryan, his background, his life in Ireland and London. His life before being captain of the Chimera stands him in good stead when the story of intrigue, and danger, laced with humor unfolds.

I enjoyed how Devon, who by the way, was much like her daughter, in temperament when young, struggled with forbidding her daughter to talk with Ryan and on the other hand understanding how she was drawn to him. She could see Ryan was very much like Andre when they had been young.

This was a ‘chuckler’, highly entertaining and well-written keeping me listening for long hours. I would readily revisit this story again either in printed form or audio.

The narrator, Emily Beresford, must have had a splendid time with all the accents she had to keep apart. Andre’s was slightly French, Devon and Lindsey’s were American, Ryan’s was Irish. Ryan also played the fop, so he had the bored sound that the ton made vogue. The next moment he would be whispering to Lindsey in his Irish brogue. Ms. Beresford impressed me even more in book 2 with her versatility.

Here's an excerpt from the novel just before Ryan walks into Lindsey's life:

"I wish you would let me finish this tonight," complained Betsy Urquhart. She sat alone, surrounded by empty desks, and gazed mournfully at the figure sorting papers at the front of the schoolroom.

"If you had written your theme last night, as instructed, you wouldn't be here now," her teacher replied without looking up.

"King Lear is so tedious." She pouted. "Besides, I thought you were my friend, Lindsay!"

"When we are in this room, I am your teacher and you must address me accordingly. Now, finish your theme so that we may both go home!"

Betsy wrote laboriously for several minutes, then said, "One would never guess that you are just two years older than I am—or that you come from such an adventurous family. I don't understand how you can be so dull—"

"I am not dull!" Lindsay answered sharply. "Simply because my relatives are afflicted with wanderlust, that does not make me dull. I choose to remain on land and pursue more serious endeavors. I enjoy teaching. Imparting knowledge to others is a great source of satisfaction to me."

"Do you never long for even a bit of adventure?" Betsy eyed her speculatively. "Or...
romance? Mary Pratt told me that the Chimera is supposed to dock today. She's practically the only ship that has been able to elude that blockade of the Sound, but considering her captain, it's no surprise." She paused to sigh dreamily. "I was planning to walk to the Point after school in hopes of seeing him. Surely even you must grow weak at the thought of Ryan Coleraine! I've never seen a handsomer man...."

"Don't be absurd. In the first place, the Chimera is not the first privateer to achieve such feats. My father was just as successful during the Revolutionary War, and, as you know, Papa had the Chimera built, so your precious Ryan Coleraine is in his employ!"

Betsy tossed her curls impatiently. "You haven't answered my question! Don't you find Captain Coleraine attractive?"

"We've never met, but from what I've seen, the answer is no." Lindsay shuffled her papers nervously. "His looks don't appeal to me. I prefer fair men. Aside from that, Captain Coleraine's character is, in my opinion, repugnant."

"Repugnant?" Betsy was unfamiliar with the word but sensed its meaning. "How can you say such a thing?"

"He's an uneducated, cocky, ill-mannered rogue," Lindsay stated with finality. "Take my advice and stay away from men of his ilk. They lack scruples and take pleasure in ruining the reputations of gullible females like you."

From the doorway, a male voice spoke. "Am I to infer that you don't approve of me, Miss Raveneau?"

Startled, Lindsay spun around to find Ryan Coleraine leaning against the door frame, one eyebrow arched. A smile of cynical amusement played over his mouth.

"I—I—" she stammered. Hearing Betsy's muffled giggle, she looked in her direction. "You may go now, Elizabeth."

"But what about my theme? I'm not finished yet!"

"You may finish it tonight."

As the teacher and pupil continued to argue, Coleraine's dark blue eyes wandered over Lindsay Raveneau. He was surprised to discover that she was beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful than her mother. She was about twenty and taller than Devon Raveneau. Even though Lindsay wore a demure, cream-colored chemise frock and a cashmere shawl, Ryan's practiced eyes detected a lithe, long-legged body with a narrow waist and high, perfect breasts. Her hair was the same amazing rosy-gold shade as her mother’s, and she wore it in a fashionable Grecian knot high atop her head, with a profusion of soft curls escaping to frame her lovely, intelligent countenance.

"Good-bye, Captain Coleraine," Betsy said as she passed him in the doorway.

Ryan looked at Lindsay. "Dare I enter? I can assure you that I have come not to ruin your reputation but to inquire after your father."

"Please, come in. I apologize for the things you heard me say about you, but you should have made your presence known instead of eavesdropping."

He approached her desk, thinking that he had never met a young lady with so cool and confident a gaze. Lindsay's eyes were striking: thick-lashed and the color of smoke. Her complexion was creamy, with smudges of pink accentuating her cheekbones, and below a delicate nose reposed a mouth with a frankly sensual lower lip. Perhaps there was hope for this bluestocking after all, he thought as his eyes lingered there, then rose to meet her questioning gaze.

"My father is in Philadelphia, Captain Coleraine."

"So I heard. It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Miss Raveneau." Ryan extended a strong hand and gently clasped hers. "I'm sorry that you're unable to say the same."

Sensing his amusement, Lindsay strove to retain her composure. What an embarrassing situation this was! "It's been a long day, Captain Coleraine, and I may have spoken rashly. Again, I beg your pardon. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to finish my work here. How can I help you?"

"I am anxious to see your father. Able Barker thought that you might know when he's returning to Pettipauge."

"Within the week. I'm sorry that I can't give you an exact date."

Coleraine shrugged, frustration further darkening his mood. "Well, then, I suppose I'll just have to wait. I appreciate your speaking to me, Miss Raveneau. I know it can't have been easy." He gave her a cool smile and turned toward the schoolhouse doorway. "Good afternoon."

When his hand touched the latch, Lindsay called, "Wait! There's something I've always wanted to know. Will you tell me how you chose the Chimera's name? I was surprised when Papa told me that you had christened her."

He glanced back over one broad shoulder. "I liked the image of a she-monster with a serpent's tail, a goat's body, and a lion's head spitting flames. I think of my ship like the chimera from Greek mythology: a magical creature with the ability to overcome all obstacles."

Lindsay lifted her chin slightly. "I wouldn't have expected you to be a student of Greek mythology, Captain."

He laughed shortly. "Believe it or not, Miss Raveneau, I don't spend every spare moment seducing unsuspecting young females!"

The door closed behind him and Lindsay found herself alone in the schoolroom, muttering rude rejoinders that she was certain she'd never have an opportunity to employ.

Another great Raveneau family story

I loved Ryan & Lindsay's story. Following the Raveneau family tradition of passion, danger and spy intrigue adventure makes for many hours of enjoyable listening.
The narrator did a nice job of all the different voices, men and women alike. Cynthia Wright weaves historical figures of the time into the story delivering a delightful surprise that enhances the fictional characters' roles. Highly recommended!!