Author:
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Publication
Date: April 1, 2014
Publisher:
St. Martin’s Press
From
the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an epic saga
of intrigue and mystique set in Edwardian England. Cavendon Hall is home to two
families, the aristocratic Inghams and the Swanns who serve them. Charles
Ingham, the sixth Earl of Mowbray, lives there with his wife Felicity and their
six children. Walter Swann, the premier male of the Swann family, is valet to
the earl. His wife Alice, a clever seamstress who is in charge of the
countess's wardrobe, also makes clothes for the four daughters.
For
centuries, these two families have lived side-by-side, beneath the backdrop of
the imposing Yorkshire manor. Lady Daphne, the most beautiful of the Earl’s
daughters, is about to be presented at court when a devastating event changes
her life and threatens the Ingham name. With World War I looming, both families
will find themselves tested in ways they never thought possible. Loyalties will
be challenged and betrayals will be set into motion. In this time of
uncertainty, one thing is sure: these two families will never be the same again. Cavendon Hall is
Barbara Taylor Bradford at her very best, and its sweeping story of secrets,
love, honor, and betrayal will have readers riveted up to the very last page.
What
was meant to be was meant to be.
To
her, Cavendon was the most sublime place.
Rape
she could have perhaps hidden. But pregnancy? That was hardly likely.
For
many generations the prominent Ingham family has been loved, served, and
protected by the Swann family. These two loving families have been loyal to one
another for many, many years. This book takes pivotal characters from both of
these families and tells their stories. The book focuses around Daphne, a
daughter of Earl Mowbray, who is brutally raped and the aftermath of that rape.
Daphne becomes pregnant with child, and not long after finding this out is
already planning for a tour of Europe until the baby is born and put up for
adoption. Luckily for all involved, not longer after a cousin of the Earl of
Mowbray arrives for a visit, he and Daphne fall in love and prepare a quick
wedding. Not to mention while all this looms above their heads, so does the
impending war. Cavendon Hall must prepare for the worst and hope for the best!
This
novel is told through the eyes of both families: the Ingham’s and the Swann’s.
I found it so interesting that these families were so close. In the beginning
of the novel, readers learn that the Swann children are allowed to sit in on
the education and lessons of the Ingham children. This meant the world to me,
and allowed me to love the characters that much more. The bonds that these two
families share are remarkable. They are very loyal to one another and help each
other through trying and difficult times. This is an upstairs downstairs
relationship that I have never witnessed before!
This
book is enough to keep me entertained and enlightened while I wait for more
Downton Abbey to be released. Even though this story is different from Downton
Abbey, it still has all the details that will make it a favorite for readers
who enjoy that era and all there is to love about it. I think Downton Abbey is
a more realistic representation that this book was, but the story, the drama,
and the ever impending threat of war is enough to make any historical fiction
enamoring for those reading!
***A
free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s
Press in exchange for my honest review***
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