This Royal Breed [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Judith Saxton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 1999

A SAGA OF A YOUNG GIRL'S STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL ON THE ISLAND OF JERSEY DURING THE NAZI SECOND WORLD WAR OCCUPATION. After the death of Rochelle Dubois's parents, she is adopted by their employer, Charles Laurient, and together she and Charles work to rear his treasured rare orchids. But when war breaks out, Rochelle is left to do her best for herself and her precious seedlings, for Charles is taken away by the Germans. The arrival of his son Laurie from America could be her salvation.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The English Channel isle of Jersey sets a backdrop at once lush and rugged for this tale of love rebuffed and regained. Having been spurned by an American dancer and unaware that a son was born of that brief liaison, Charles Laurient, the morose heir of a wealthy Jersey family, reserves his passion for raising orchids. Rochelle Dubois is the daughter of Charles's estate manager. When her parents die unexpectedly, Charles reluctantly adopts the odd youngster, who has an uncanny gift for growing the delicate plants. After Jersey is occupied by the Germans during WW II, Charles and Rochelle skulk around aiding the Resistance, until Charles is caught and sent to a concentration camp. At the time, he is still reeling from the shock of a letter in which his son, Laurie, has revealed his existence. Laurie, too, has a way with orchids, it seems, though once America joins the war his services as a pilot are in demand. Leaning heavily on coincidence, Saxton ( A Family Affair ) maneuvers encounters between Laurie, whose plane is shot down, and Charles, who has escaped from the camp; later, Laurie and Rochelle meet on Jersey. Effective depictions of Jersey during the Occupation and postwar London are undermined elsewhere by clunky transitions and breathless prose.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In 1922 Charles Laurient hastily terminates a love affair in Paris to return to his father's deathbed. By the time he sorts out the inheritance of his Jersey estate, his lover has gone to the United States. Unknown to Laurient, she bears his son, Daniel. Laurient devotes himself to raising orchids and caring for Rochelle, the orphaned daughter of his estate manager. These peaceful pursuits end when the Nazis occupy Jersey. Eventually Laurient is sent to a concentration camp, but not before he hears from Daniel, who ultimately falls in love with Rochelle. Like many romances, this book relies heavily on coincidence to advance plot. What distinguishes Saxton's novel is her evocation of a unique locale and of the intricacies of orchid raising. The book will introduce romance fans to a little-known corner of Britain and provide insights into an unfamiliar chapter of World War II.
- Kathy Piehl, Mankato State Univ., Minn.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Isis Audio; Unabridged edition (May 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753104571
• ISBN-13: 978-0753104576
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars it has stuck in my mind, July 28, 2003

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"truthandjustice" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Royal Breed (Hardcover)

I read this book a while ago and it is one that has left a lasting impression on me. The story line has already been told by the others reviewers and it is a compelling story. What has lasted with me is the fact that it took place during World War II on an English island, Jersey, under Nazi occupation. Homes were taken over and food became scarce for both the Germans and the people living on Jersey. It was a revealing read on the survival of war-time occupation. It also had mystery, romance and drama. I highly recommend this book.