Needing a book to read over the weekend, I rushed into the library and picked up this book. I had read Bradford's "A Woman of Substance" many years ago, so I thought I would give this book a try. The story had promise - an old aristocratic British family, a dynasty, a valuable family company, murder of two of its leading lights, treachery from within, a young, attractive, charismatic 18 year old son to take over the company with his uncle. Yet, the writing was so trite, at times overdone, that though I finished the book, I felt somewhat cheapened by reading it.

Another excellent story from Barbara Taylor Bradford. I enjoyed all of the 692 pages of it except that if it wasn't for a few history facts thrown in, it would have been difficult to imagine that the story is set in the early 20th century, as I found it more consistent with a modern day setting.

The characters here are her usual mix of wealth, power and beauty. A trifle sickly sometimes as it is hard to imagine such people in real life. Even the child they found living on the streets ended up coming from a privileged background!

Her style of writing here is again spoilt, like in so many of her books, by the lack of 'joining' words. I find it hard to believe that the proofreaders do not pick this up. However, it was still a great read, albeit sometimes a little unbelievable, and is to be recommended.

It is difficult to care about the characters who were not likable. The historical setting was interesting but only lightly developed with references to well-known events for context.

Good book

A great and enjoyable 'easy and leisurely ' read but unfortunately although the plot ideas for the ending were great indeed it read almost like the author had been invited out for the day and, in her eagerness to go out and in haste she wrote it like a list of events to tie up lose ends.....felt a bit like the excitement you feel in pulling a magnificent souffle out of the oven only to have it unceremoniously deflate within 5 minutes!

So it started well but then it suddenly slowed and by slowed I mean slowed. It was incredibly long and the majority of that word count seemed to be describing the characters and how incredibly beautiful they were. I mean don't get me wrong I don't mind description but this was just over the top.

To be honest I'm glad its over

I always enjoy Barbara Taylor Bradford. This one was a little too male centric for me but still was good.

Don't think I've read a book by this author. Picked it up for a little "light" reading. Was disappointed in the character development and somewhat in the plot. Hard to accept that a 19 year old could step in and run a global company, even if this is set in early 1900's England. Characters are introduced into the plot and then not fleshed out completely. For example, I never could get a handle on Margot Grant and then she just disappeared in the plot even though some very dastardly deeds were hinted at being her machinations. Lots of loose ends, too, like who really killed the Deravenel and Watkins patriarchs and sons? At one point, I was sure the irascible Neville had a hand in it all (which actually would have been a very good twist to the plot). Having said all that, the author does a good job in set descriptions. And even though I don't feel she did a good job on characters all around, there are some in the novel that she is able to give enough life to that the reader can identify personality. All in all, I think she could have done with a few less characters and concentrated more on the central one, Edward Deravenel.

prompt# 10 2024 list

England before and after WWII. A wealthy family owns a company that has people in the company trying to take it over. Good writing. Love this time period.

Overall a very good read, slow in some parts but I shall look forward to the next installment in the trilogy

Enjoyable early 20th century set in London. I think it is a little wordy given the authors propensity to describe what people are wearing.