The magic of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Love, lies, loyalty and mysteries, all well told. That is a hallmark of Barbara Taylor Bradford. Her many fans will not be disappointed in her latest novel, The Cavendon Women.  The Swanns and Inghams, first introduced in Cavendon Hall,  again come to life under Bradford's skillful pen. Think Upstairs Downstairs, think Downton Abby.

The time period is 1926 to 1929 and problems abound for all during those years. Will the strong bonds between the two families be enough to hold them together?  The setting again focused mainly on Cavendon Hall which is beautifully and fully described. Likewise, the fashions of the day come to life for the reader.

Beyond these beautifully written passages, one reads the dialogue between the characters. Here, I felt, Ms. Bradford fell short. The conversations between the characters are so very simplistically written. Surely the characters have more depth than portrayed in this novel. 

Still, it was a good fireside read for a winter weekend and I heartily recommend it to Ms. Bradford's fans. If you wish to introduce someone to this author, I suggest you go back and start with her wonderful  A Woman of Substance.  

I received my copy directly from the published in exchange for an honest review.