Julie's Review: Master of His Fate

Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Series: The House of Falconer #1
Publication Date: November 20, 2018
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 416
Obtained: publisher via Netgalley
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5
Bottom Line: Be transported to Victorian England in only the way Barbara Taylor Bradford can transport you
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Summary: Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer, who spends his days working at his father’s market stall, is determined to become a merchant prince. Even as a child, he is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. James quickly rises through the ranks, proving himself both hardworking and trustworthy, and catching the eye of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. But when threats against his reputation – and his life - begin to emerge, James will have to prove that he truly is the master of his fate. Through scandal and romance, tragedy and triumph, the Falconer and Malvern family’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways in this expansive and intricately detailed new novel filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford's trademark cast of compelling characters.  

Review: No one weaves a family saga like Barbara Taylor Bradford. Years ago my Aunt gave me Woman of Substance and I was hooked. In the first book of her new series, The House of Falconer, we are introduced to the Falconer family with the focus being on James, the eldest son a family that might not have the station in life but they work hard and have drive. James has been groomed to be successful from both his grandparents and his parents. He has a natural knack for business and has the charisma and good looks to make it a bit easier for him.

On the flip, we have Alexis Malvern who is her dad's right hand at Malvern Industries. She's pretty much sworn off love to focus on her career and running a business. This is where you think that her and James will meet and fall deeply in love but nope. Both of their stories have their own plot until they really converge toward the end of the novel.

I loved both their story-lines equally and both are written so well and aren't One Dimensional at all. They are both strong characters and I can't wait to see what she has in store for this series.


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