Silver Storm

The Raveneau Novels, Book 1

By: Cynthia Wright

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Dashing and dangerous Andre Raveneau is the Revolutionary War's most reckless privateer captain when Devon Lindsay stows away aboard his ship after her Connecticut town has been burned by the British. Raveneau sardonically agrees to deliver her to her childhood sweetheart in Virginia but doesn't count on his own potent attraction to the enchanting, courageous Devon.

Through high adventure, swashbuckling sea battles, and the colorful history of America's revolution, the couple battles the fiery passion that binds them together.

Silver Storm is on keeper shelves worldwide. The story of Andre and Devon and their twisting path to true love is one you will want to revisit over and over!

©1979, 2011 Cynthia Challed (P)2014 Cynthia Challed

Classic historical romance finally on audio!

Any additional comments?

Silver Storm is a historical romance originally written in 1979 by Cynthia Wright. The story centers on Devon Lindsay who becomes a stowaway after the British burn her Connecticut town to the ground. She’s onboard the Black Eagle, the ship of privateer Andre Raveneau, who agrees to take her to Virginia. Set on the backdrop of the American Revolution, they experience high adventure and several sea battles on the way to Virginia.

In short, this is a classic tale of a young innocent woman who gets her virtue taken away by an older more experienced Alpha Male. I didn’t quite relate to the main characters. Andre was too manipulative and Devon too immature. I especially didn’t understand how an experienced seaman like Raveneau would fall in love with the naive Devon. However, once I got into the story, it was addictive and I found it hard to stop listening.

This audio book is narrated by Emily Beresford and clocks in at over 11 hours. Emily Beresford did an excellent job, giving distinguishable voices for the men and women, as well as the young and elderly. She also had appropriate accents when needed, which were maintained throughout the narration. Simply put, her performance made this story so much more enjoyable. Well done! . I received a copy of this audio book in exchange for an unbiased review.

surprisingly good even with a female narrator!

Where does Silver Storm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have always loved this book in paperback and ebook. Now to have a much loved long time favorite of mine in audiobook is nice. Which is really odd usually I don’t read any books with pirates in them or I just avoid them altogether but when it comes to this story I can’t resist enjoying it and all of the characters major and minor. I think that what does it for me is the hero Andre Raveneau. Devon Lindsay’s lives a near perfect idyllic carefree lifestyle being headstrong she defies her mother at every chance she gets until her world is destroyed by the British invading her town. Devon escapes by stowing away on Andre Raveneau ship and neither of them can deny the passion they have for each other. Andre can’t avoid or resist Devon physically but falling in love is not an easy feat for him.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have always had a secret crush and also really like the hero Andre. Yes, he’s arrogant, egotistical, and dangerously handsome but he is brought down by a mere innocent charismatic charming heroine Devon which makes him more human in my opinion. Andre thinks that no mere woman can bring him to his knees or make him do anything but then again he has never met anyone like Devon either.

What aspect of Emily Beresford’s performance would you have changed?

In a sense I was first so excited to hear who would voice Andre and was a little disappointed to find out that it was a female narrator. I was thinking if it would be a male narrator I would want them to capture the image of what Andre looks like and sounds like in my head. The swagger and speaking with the heavy French accent I wanted it more than I thought. I guess really that is what I wanted is a male narrator to especially voice Andre but other than my expectations I think Ms. Emily Beresford did amazingly well narrating the story despite my reservations. Ms. Beresford captured the innocence the dreamy fanciful silvery tone of Devon that I really had no problem imagining what she would look and sound like. That it made the story more into Devon’s point of view.

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

No not really. I listen to audiobooks when I get the chance so listening to one entire audiobook would take too much of my time. So listening in small bits and pieces is just as nice too.

Any additional comments?

I might have this book in paperback, ebook and now audiobook the story never gets old and makes me enjoy it whatever form it is in. I just enjoy Ms. Wright’s wonderful story and characters that I will definitely get more books, ebooks and audiobooks from Ms. Wright. This book is really worth a listen as well making the book just come alive!

Pretty Good 3.5 Stars

I enjoyed Andre Raveneau's character and strong willed Devon. The Revolutionary War setting is a little different for me. I am usually not drawn to this type of story. It was a little drawn out to me and it seemed to have some gaps but it was ok.

The past revisited in a new way

I read this series when it was first released and enjoyed it very much. Today I revisited "Silver Storm" and enjoyed it just as much. Hearing the story, instead of reading it, is a wonderful "tool" for those us who have trouble seeing well enough to tackle reading such a long book. The story is interesting and I love the way Cynthlia Wright has worked in details about the revolutionary war. The story centers around Captain Andre Raveneau and Devpn Lindsay who meet in a small town in Connecticut. When the British attack and destroy the town and Devon's Mom is killed she seeks escape by hiding on Raveneau's privateer. It is a good story and I enjoyed my visit [again].

Wonderfully Executed Historical Romance

Would you consider the audio edition of Silver Storm to be better than the print version?

If a narrator is good, it only enhances the story. I felt this the case.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Silver Storm?

Saving Andre's life during the storm.

What about Emily Beresford’s performance did you like?

Her total involvement emotionally with distinct voices for each character.

Any additional comments?

About the Story: Devon Lindsay has always, always had a crush on Andre Raveneau. So when she by chance ran into Devon on the street, she was entranced – a besotted young girl. Andre, thinking to rid her of this affliction, decided to kiss her. That’s what surely would scare her off. But when his lips touched hers a curious feeling overtook him. He reacted with somewhat of a jolt. How come this chit of a girl could pull that kind of reaction from him? She was yet but a child and he had his ship to return to and enemy ships to seize.

Several years later, Devon’s town was raided by the Redcoats. Two Redcoats came into her mother’s shop, thinking to plunder more than just supplies. Her mother was dragged up the stairs to her fate. Devon was saved the same by a cry that the town was burning. The Redcoat grabbed her, shouting to his buddy up the stairs and left the shop. The next thing Devon knew, her mother’s shop was burning. In anguish she looked back to see fire licking through the windows and knew her mother was dead. Devon had a very agile mind, abided her time and was able to escape her captor. She climbed up a tree and hid there for hours. During those hours, she wept, saddened by her mother's cruel end and the many deaths in New London.

Thinking the Redcoats had finally left, hours later, Devon climbs out of the tree. Where was she to go? She was spotted by a man, thankfully not the enemy. Exhausted, Devon wanted to believe he was good. He spoke kindly and said he would take her to safety. Some hours later, after riding on horseback, they arrived at a ship in a small harbor. Her hero snuck her on board, disguised as a young man. She knew that ship all too well. It was the Black Eagle, captained by none other than Captain Andre Raveneau. Her new hero, Caleb, was the ‘scrupulous’ sailor who saved her from certain peril. And for his good deed to her, he received a lashing from the captain. What was she thinking? How could she ever had kind thoughts for Andre Raveneau? How could he punish the man who had saved her life? As far as Devon was concerned, all previous thoughts of Andre being a hero were washed away. He was just a brute as we hear from her own lips on many occasions.

As in most situations, not all is at it seems, neither from Devon’s point of view nor from Andre’s. A most intriguing twisting story, this, full of lies, half-truths and blazing temper!
My Thoughts: I’m always ready for a story with the American Revolution, the pains of a new nation, as a backdrop. I wasn’t disappointed in the telling of this one. From its first chapter it held action and didn’t let up. The narrator, with her superb personation of hot-tempered Devon, her mother, sceptical Captain Andre Raveneau and the myriad of emotions that explode between Devon and Andre, enhance many-fold this suspenseful novel. I could easily listen again and enjoy it as much.

Captain Andre hadn’t remembered their ‘first kiss’, but this spirited chit, dressed as a boy, was worth getting to know. But when Devon wouldn’t listen to the captain even when giving orders, she nearly finds herself off the ship. She pleads beseechingly to the captain to take her to her fiancé, Morgan, who is fighting in the war and should be in Chesapeake Bay.
The captain agrees to do so, however reluctantly, not able to say no to a damsel in distress, if she is, which the captain questions. Coming aboard with Caleb, a scoundrel, if there ever was one, does not help her case. She certainly shows she likes the man. What? A man in every port for Devon? She certainly bears watching.

Much occurs before they are able to locate Morgan, and it appears that Morgan has become a thorn in the captain’s side—a big thorn! How can Andre want a woman who is affianced to another? It is not the honorable thing to pursue another man’s woman, so he says. More adventure awaits them both, tempers flare, passion burns, and soon no one’s emotions are clearly readable.

The story line was chock full of suspense, sarcasm, anger, passion, fear, along with honor. The reader is unable to guess what will happen next. I enjoyed the fiery personality of Devon as a young woman and her fight-back attitude when her world was destroyed around her. Narrator Emily Beresford uses a high-lilt of a young girl for Devon, a bit flighty in character, just a young girl with a head full of dreams. Devon’s mother sounded old, tired, hurt and disgusted with the way life treated her. It was hard to believe that it was the same person narrating both characters, let alone the male voice for Andre. Andre’s diction of English had a slight French accent and when he spoke in actual French, she had the pronunciation exactly right .

About the Author Cynthia Wright (in her own words): Many of you read my books during my 20 year, 13-novel career with a New York publisher. My historical romances are, as one reader said, “warm, adventurous, loving, and sensual.” They are filled with compelling characters who cross over into other novels, so the families become beloved friends. And, I enjoy incorporating real historical people, places, and events into my novels! After two decades, I took a break from writing to pursue other endeavors, but the “indie” e-book revolution lured me back and I am incredibly excited to have all my books available, re-freshened & re-edited, with stunning new covers. I'm writing again and loving it more than ever.

Last year, I released a brand-new Raveneau novel, TEMPEST, and I'm very grateful for the warm reception from readers. In 2014, I am publishing SMUGGLER'S MOON, the first book in a new Raveneau series called "The Raveneaus in Cornwall!" It's filled with passion and adventure and I hope you will love it.
* * * * * * * * * *
If you would like to read the two series, the Raveneau novels and the Beauvisage novels in chronological order, they are listed here.
1781 - SILVER STORM
1783 - CAROLINE
1789 - TOUCH THE SUN
1793 - SPRING FIRES* (A Beauvisage/Raveneau Novel)
1814 - SURRENDER THE STARS
1814 - NATALYA
1818 - SILVER SEA (A Raveneau/Beauvisage Novel)
1903 - TEMPEST

Narrator Emily Beresford: Ms. Beresford earned her BA in Liberal Studies from Green Mountain College in Vermont, with concentrations in Creative Writing, Music, and English. In 2013 she was nominated for an Audie Award and received an Earphones Award from AudioFile magazine. She lives in Michigan with her wonderful husband, and two amazing children.

Her comments about this series: I have to say I love this series! Cynthia's writing is so magical, I never knew I enjoyed Historical Romance this much until her books. Now I am hooked!

One of her fans recently said that her settings for her books become characters in themselves with all the imagery and care she has taken to represent them. That really rang true for me as I always find myself so immersed in her writing and feel like I am actually living it.

Her dialogue is also so true to the timeline of the setting that it adds an extra element of really being present in the story. It has been such an honor narrating her Raveneau Series, and I can't wait to begin on the upcoming (on audio) Beauvisage Series!

Entertaining and interesting read

This is one of those books that I kept reading in-spite of disliking many aspects. I generally enjoy Historical reads, this is unique because it is set during the American Revolution. It has a great mix of true history in this action packed fiction.

The main problem I have with this book is the immaturity of the main character, Devon. It is only slightly more annoying than the overbearing attitude of the male lead Andre. I hate to compare books but this feels like 50 Shades during the Revolution, minus the BDSM. The girl is all innocent virgin taken with the controlling powerful Captain. People who enjoy that dynamic will love this book.

Despite my issues with the main characters, I was still intrigued by the story. It has a great pace and a lot happens to keep the reader engaged. The story telling is great, it just was not a theme that I adored. Devon was too immature and Andre felt manipulative. I really was not buying into the love story. More of a girlish crush on an egotistic guy. The end did have a touch more romance, I just wished it had flowed through the story.

The narrative is mixed, it mostly switches between the leads POV, but there are a few supporting cast's thoughts. This style helps to make the story fuller and gives insight into the characters.

The bedroom door is open, but the detail is less than erotic. It get very warm, but never hot. I like a touch more heat in my steam.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Beresford. She does a lovely job with the voices and keeping things consistent. She has a great feel for Devon, really makes her far more like-able. She has a terrific pace in the read, it makes the story move along. I am definitely going to look for more of her readings.

Overall, this was a interesting story and I was entertained in-spite of myself. The combination of a unique genre, the American Revolution, and a great narrator made the book a solid good read.

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

Historical Romance at its finest!

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed how the author wove the fictional tale of Andre and Devon with the real historical events of the Revolutionary War.

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

Coming in at over 11 hours, I would say that it would be a great vacation listen or for someone who has a long commute and/or larger blocks of time to listen. I was able to finish this in about 3 days but I am able to listen while I'm at work.

Any additional comments?

I am a great fan of Ms. Beresford and this is one of her best. I like the way that she makes each character unique with their own voice, accent and pacing. She really brings a book to life.

Ms. Wright is a gifted author bringing the colonial time to life interweaving a fictional love story with real historical events. I must admit that while I'm not a fan of a historical romance per se, I was entertained and drawn in to the story by Ms. Wright's story and Ms. Beresford's narration.

I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy a sweet romance.

Terrible accents!

Such a distracting narrator. Her French accent and mispronunciations were terribly annoying. I would like to listen to the next book in the series but will have to grit my teeth and suffer the narrator to do so.

My all-time favorite novel, now as an Audiobook!

This is my ALL-TIME favorite historical romance. I've read hundreds upon hundreds of them and it simply doesn't get any better than Silver Storm. What a beautiful, enduring romance! Each time I read it I find something new to love. How could it get even better? By being made into an Audiobook, of course!

Emily Beresford's narration of this novel made it feel all new again to me, even though I've read it myself a dozen times. She reads with emotion and gives enough distinction to each character's voice that you can really visualize the different speakers. If I thought the hero of this book was dreamy before, hearing him brought to life by Ms. Beresford raises him to epic proportions. :)

Of course, a good narrator is wasted if a book isn't well written in the first place. This one most certainly is more than up to the challenge. The first thing I noticed when I was first exposed to Cynthia Wright's novels is the tremendous amount of historical detail and real people she weaves throughout. Silver Storm is set in the coastal port town of New London, Connecticut beginning in 1775, and travels through the American Revolution. The heroine's school master is the famous patriot Nathan Hale. Her town is attacked by Redcoats under the direction of traitor Benedict Arnold. Even George Washington makes a cameo. This is one romance novel that will leave you a little smarter in American History by the time you've finished it. If only it were taught this way in school. :)

Besides the bonus of a gentle history lesson, this story truly tells of an epic romance for the ages. No matter how many times I re-read this book, or in this case, LISTEN to it, it never fails to take my breath away.

Notorious and devilishly handsome French sea captain-turned-privateer Andre Raveneau first crosses the lovely Devon Lindsey's path when she is 13 years old. She becomes fascinated by the daring captain of the Black Eagle, who is known for always seeming to be able to escape seemingly impossible situations. Their paths meet again a few years later and the dangerous and magnetic Raveneau shocks her by giving her a teasing kiss that turns her world upside down.

The daughter of a sailor herself, Devon is fascinated by those who call the sea their home. Her original plan of marrying her childhood friend, Morgan, begins to fall apart when she realizes that his kisses have the opposite effect of those of the handsome Raveneau. There has to be more to love than feeling comfortable. She is certain, however, that a man like the Captain would never be interested in a plain colonial miss like her.

Then one horrible day the British attack the town of New London, burning buildings and leaving a path of destruction. Devon barely escapes with her life and fears she has lost everyone dear to her. She runs into a sailor from the Black Eagle, who secretly smuggles her on board disguised as a cabin boy. Of course, she is discovered by the all-seeing Captain Raveneau, although not until after she attends to his bath....

I love this book and know you will too! Captain Raveneau will always be, for me, the gold-standard of fictional heroes. He is positively, deliciously perfect in every way. With his devastatingly handsome good looks, adventurous nature, charmed success, and strength, he is truly a man to make you swoon. And now, with this Audiobook, he has finally found his voice.

Questionable

I listen to the story because I wanted to know the ending but the main character Devine, I keep waiting for her to grow and take responsibility for her action instead of acting like a child.