Happy Monday and welcome to my stop on the Master of his Fate blog tour! Today I have a review of the first in a shiny, new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford and now available from St. Martin’s Press.
My Thoughts:
Master of His Fate, the first in a new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford, is actually my first book by this beloved author of historical fiction!
Set in Victorian England, there is a deep and wide distinction between the haves and the have-nots, and two main characters are brought together from either side of the divide. James Lionel Falconer is the grandson of hired help; well-loved and highly-respected help, but help nonetheless. James is self-made in every respect and has the charm and intelligence of someone able to climb socially.
James starts as a young boy working in his father’s rented wares stall and dreams of being a wealthy merchant…Slowly moving respectfully through the ranks, he earns a high position in a company, but not long after, tragedy strikes his family- not once, but twice, leaving James to worry about his position. He need not, though, because he receives a royal summons that may be just the rise in stature he needs to achieve his goals.
In contrast to James’ working class beginnings, Alexis Malvern is a wealthy young woman, born into a privileged family; the family for which James works. The stories of James and Alexis build and connect to each other, but not how you would expect.
The heart of this story is in its rich details. Barbara Taylor Bradford transports the reader to Victorian England, and these characters come to life within the pages.
Steeped in descriptions of the decor, clothing, and atmosphere, with well-drawn, complex characters, I was mesmerized by this story and cannot wait to read what happens next in book two.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours, GetRed PR, St. Martin’s Press, and the author, for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes the first book in a stunning new historical saga.
Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. Even as a boy working in his father’s market stall in Camden, he was determined to become a merchant prince. Through hard work and a single-minded determination, James rises quickly through the ranks, with a loving wife, devoted children, and a lofty position in the Malvern & Malvern Company. But when back-to-back tragedies strike the Falconer home, shattering this idyllic life, it seems as though James might never recover his former glory…until a royal summons gives him the chance to prove that he truly is a master of the game.
The first book in an expansive and intricately detailed new historical fiction series from master storyteller Barbara Taylor Bradford, Master of the Game, is filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford’s trademark cast of compelling characters.
Have you read Master of His Fate, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
GREAT REVIEW JENNIFER, CHINA
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Thank you, China! ♥️
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Beautiful picture and cover. Awesome review, Jennifer. I have not read this and plan to read this Victorian England novel. Happy Monday. 💕📚🌹
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Thanks, Virginia! I enjoyed this book! I hope you enjoy it, too, and happy Monday! 💗
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I missed that this was going to be a series. Thanks for a wonderful review, Jennifer! You’ve captured the essence of the author’s writing, which fits perfectly with my recollection of the TV adaptations.
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Thanks, Jonetta! I really enjoyed BTB’s style. She is a lovely writer. I need to read some more of her books and check out those TV adaptations.
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Lovely Review Jennifer. I hope to get back to historical romance read in the next year♥️
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Thanks, Shalini! I hope you can fit some in. They are always a nice treat. 💗 ♥️
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I used to love Johanna Lindsey… I wonder if she still writes… Thanks for reminding me of my love for historical romances
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I think I have seen Lindsey’s name on things recently, Shalini! ♥️ This one is more historical than Lindsey’s and maybe past ones from BTB? She’s stretching genres a bit?
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Wonderful review Jennifer! It’s funny I was looking everywhere for a book with a top hat on the cover a few weeks ago, should have had this one on my shelf. LOL
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Thanks, Carrie! You should have! It’s such a charming read! I can’t think of any other books with top hats right now! 😂
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Sounds like a great book to begin the new year off with! Terrific review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! I think it would be perfect for that!
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This sounds really good, and I’m delighted that Bradford continues to write such engaging stories😊
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It was a wonderful intro to her for me, Tammy!
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Beautiful tulips my friend! It’s been years since I’ve read a BTB book! Wonderful review Jen! Have a great week!🎅🎄😊💕
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Thanks, Sus! Those tulips made me so happy- one of my favorites! 🌷 I hope you have a great week, too! Xoxo
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Love the sound of this, and I really love when this kind of stories become tv series or films!
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Annie, this would make an amazing film or mini series! The details brought it to life! ♥️
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Looks so good Jennifer! Haven’t read a book from her in ages!💕
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It was terrific, Berit, and it was my first from her! 💗
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Oh this looks so good, Jennifer! I’ve heard so much about this author but haven’t read anything of hers yet. Glad to see that you liked it!
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It was a lovely read, Darina! I was surprised I hadn’t tried this author yet myself because she writes so many books in my favorite genre!
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Love your review as always and that book cover wow (and your photo!!)
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Thanks so much, sweet Zoe! 💗
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I’ve never read Bradford’s books either, but this sounds like a great new series to give a try. I know so many people love the author, and it definitely sounds like you loved it, which I’m so glad! ❤ I hope you had a great Monday!! xoxo
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It was a lovely read, Steph! I’m not sure why we haven’t tried this author before! I had a busy Monday, but I survived! Woo hoo! I hope your Monday was great, too! 💗 xoxo
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It sounds it! Me either. I remember my mom reading her books, but I never picked one up for some reason but that could be why, lol. Goodness me too! I’m sure yours was work, but I had so much to do around the house that I was exhausted. I’m glad we both survived, lol. Happy Tuesday! Hope it’s less crazy…💕xoxo
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I’ve never tried a book by Barbara Taylor Bradford before, even though I always hear such good things about her writing. I may have to give this one a try because it sounds wonderful.
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Thanks, Suzanne! This book surprised me in a great way. It started off feeling somewhat like a classic with the set-up of the families and the Victorian period. I hope you enjoy it, too, if you decide to try it.
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I haven’t read any of her stuff but this does sound good! The Victorian era is always so fascinating – a kind of crossover between the olden times and the modern day. Great review, as always!
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Thanks, FF! So true about the Victorian era. A real turning point in time.
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Wonderful review Jennifer. I haven’t read anything from this author, but from your review, it sounds quite fascinating, especially James story of wanting and eventually making as part of the elite crowd.
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Thanks, Rose! Yes, the social climbing aspects were quite interesting. This book was surprising, and I really enjoyed it. ♥️
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Great review, Jennifer. This sounds like a lovely read and I like what you said about the setting/time period being very well portrayed.
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Thanks so much, Diana! The setting and time period were definitely well-done and impressive.
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This is a case where that beautiful cover really does give you a glimpse of the story! I could picture it when I read your review! 💕💕
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It’s true, Mack! It gives you the whole Victorian, elegant feel! ♥️
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I love Victorian England as a setting, I might have to check this one out!
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Oh, the setting in this one is drawn to perfection, Angela! Some of the details read like a classic to me. I hope you enjoy it if you end up reading it.
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Excellent review, Jennifer. It sounds like this was a very exciting read.
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Thanks, Chrissi! It was wonderful and kept me engaged! I
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This is in my TBR pile. Years ago I read A Woman of Substance and found it to be completely absorbing. I think was the author’s firs novel.
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I think it was, too, Joyce, and it seems to be so well-loved. I’ll be interested in how you think this one compares. I hope you enjoy it!
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It sounds like the author did a great job at drawing you into the time period, which I always appreciate!
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She really did, and one of the best aspects of well-done historicals!
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Victorian England? Yes please! Lovely review Jenni 🤗
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I know, right, Beth?! Thanks so much! ♥️
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thanks for being part of tbe tour!
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My pleasure, Suzy! I had so much fun! Thank you again for the invite! ♥️
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Great review Jennifer. I have read several of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novels, but none lately. Maybe it is time to pick up another book of hers.
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Thanks, Carla! I was impressed with her writing and how she set the setting up so well. I think it’s going to be a charming series.
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Thank you, China!
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