The setting brings to mind Downton Abbey in all its glory - the Inghams are very similar and the Swanns have served the family for generations. Their support, confidentiality and the trust that the family has in them goes well beyond the norm. This was the only difference I found from other aristocratic families. The two families are linked very closely and through the generations a strong physical relationship has developed between the two.
The present set up is idyllic. We have a large family of beautiful youngsters and a seemingly strong marriage. Everything is about to blow up with the tragedy of Daphne - the nicest, friendliest of the teenagers who is raped and made pregnant on their own grounds itself. How the story develops from there and alongside the personal story of the two families, the onset of WWI and the carnage, destruction and death that follows is beautifully and emotionally described in this story.
Taking us away from Edwardian England and the beginning of women's emancipation and independence the story will interest all readers of not just general fiction but history as well. This author certainly does not disappoint her readers.
I was thrilled to get this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley but was most disappointed when the second book request in the series was turned down. I thought that was totally unfair but then luck smiled on me and I got the second and third book directly from the Marketing Division of St. Martin's Press. Thank you for the books. I am certainly looking ever so much to reading the sequels.
I'm so glad you'll be able to continue the series!
ReplyDeleteThe library has book 1, nice
ReplyDeleteHi there, looks like a good one! It would be great if you added your review to the Books You Loved: June collection over at Carole's Chatter. Cheers
ReplyDeleteI passed this by but have read many of her other novels and wondered about them. Reading your review I know I need to get to this series at some point. I know they will publish here in NZ so no doubt will pick them up. So happy you got the next two. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Barbara Taylor Bradford novels, but this sounds like a book that I would really enjoy. I like that it is part of a series too - and I'm glad you got the next couple to review. Thank-you for the wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any Barbara Taylor Bradford, Mystica, maybe I'll begin with this one. Your review makes it sound very enticing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. We have the books at my library so maybe I'll check them out sometime. Nice review and I'm glad you'll be able to read the rest of the books.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this author many (6-7) years ago and enjoying the book. This series sounds good and I'm glad you got books 2 and 3. Thanks for bringing it to my/our attention.
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