“Master of His Fate” is a sedate romance set in Victorian England that follows two story lines. The first is James Falconer’s story. James is a 17-year-old wannabe merchant who divulges to his grandparents his 5-year plan early in the book. James respects and strives to emulate his father who also is a merchant, and his family members do their best to set him on the right path for success. As James’ story unfolds, the author reveals James is somewhat of a genius with merchandising. On the side, James carries on an affair with a 30-year-old widow.

The second story line, and the more interesting one in my opinion, follows Alexis Malvern, a young woman whose father is a wealthy commercial realtor. Alexis is in her early twenties. She has no interest in getting married, and she opens a women’s shelter with a handful of her friends, including one other woman, Claudia. Claudia’s father, Sebastian, who is 40 years old, immediately falls in love with Alexis. Alexis, in turn, falls in love with Sebastian. They get engaged within days of meeting.

This book was one of the most unsurprising, literal, straightforward books I have ever read. Has there ever been a time when you wanted to read something uncomplicated? When you just wanted a story without twists or turns? This would be the one.

I wanted this book to have teeth. To have more conflict, more drama, more feeling. These were my expectations. This book did not deliver on them, and that’s okay. It’s up to the author to tell the story she wants to tell, not me.

There is an audience for "Master of His Fate." The author has written dozens of books since the late 1970s that presumably have done well for her. That said, this would be a 3-star book for me, simply because I felt it lacked conflict and the writing was a little weak. There was a lot of telling, instead of showing. The author seemed preoccupied with the characters’ clothing and the décor of the room instead of cultivating meaningful and realistic connections between the characters. It seemed like every character had the same speech patterns and mannerisms, the same pure thoughts and good intentions, and were, therefore, the same.

Someone who likes mild romances will love this book. That someone is not me.

Master of his Fate by Barbara Taylor Bradford introduces us to a new world with the Falconer Family. While the author spends some time foreshadowing, I felt it was essential to the framework of the story. The complex and intriguing characters provide a developed storyline but we also have time to observe fashion, political and cultural aspects of the time period. I found this to be a quick and refreshing read, and I will look forward to more of the saga of the Falconers. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Barbara Taylor Bradford introduced me to grand sagas with her first book A Woman of Substance, along with its sequels. I’m thrilled that she is continuing this tradition with Master of His Fate. I was intrigued by the two storylines; James Falconer, a poor but ambitious and bright young man: Alexis Malvern, a rich young woman who lives a life of privilege. It was fascinating as these two stories intertwined in such unexpected ways. The author does an excellent job of placing the reader directly into the setting with intricate details of their homes, the fashions, and current events of the time.

This is a very good story but for some reason I had a hard time getting into this book. I usually love reading about this time period and getting into the feel of the times and enjoying the language...but not this time. This is the first Barbara Taylor Bradford book that I've read and I will probably try another book by her in the future.

In typical Barbara Taylor Bradford fashion, this is a real gem.

James Malvern is good-looking, kind, ambitious and only 17 years old. He helps his father at the stall in Malvern Market but he has bigger plans for his future. Through escapades, opportunities he never thought possible and even love, James works to accomplish that goal.

This book brings us the lives of the Malvern, Falconer, Carpenter, Venables and Trevalian families. There days intertwine and interlace through pain, loss, love and success. Right up to the surprise ending. Saying more would be a spoiler.

I am confident you will enjoy this novel as much as I did. It is an easy read with a variety of beautifully described settings with richly portrayed characters. It tells a story while exploring the depths of a family’s love, support and protection.

I received an eBook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. This did not affect my opinion or the ratings of this book.

I just finished reading Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Master of His Fate, I was excited to read this book when I saw that it was a “family saga.” The book did not disappoint! This book is her first in a series. I loved the story of James Falconer making his way in a rags to riches story and I also enjoyed Alexis Malvern’s story as a woman in a man’s world in the 1880s. Perfect book to cuddle up to on a winter day. I look forward to continuing the story in Barbara’s next book. I received this book ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

"From #1 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, 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."

A new series! Let's hope this means she's going to leave those poor Cavendons alone now...

This story is filled with historical lessons from the Victorian Age. It offers a close look at the culture and class structure that existed at that time. More than that it looks at the moral character and decency of human relationships and how it defined a he culture.

“Class doesn’t define abusive men, Claudia. I am afraid they are everywhere in society. In all classes and creeds.”

“For instance, a sociopath is someone who has no sense of remorse about what he does. He does not have the slightest empathy for other people and doesn’t understand their feelings.”

The book forces you to look beyond the superficial and see the why. It is well organized and the characters and very well developed. There is love, loss, anger, empathy, hope and grief. It is all the realities of life embodied in one place.

My favorite thing about this book is the beautiful, vivid descriptions. I could picture every single detail throughout the story. I also really enjoy the characters and the story itself - it’s so well written. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

I have been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford since Woman of Substance. Master of His Fate is the first in a sweeping new family saga. The story is told from two viewpoints and I couldn't wait to find out how the two intertwined. I was quickly transported back in time to Victorian England and pulled into the story of James and Alexis. I can't wait for the next book!

Two parallel stories that intermingle at the end beautifully.

James is young, street smart, working on a market stall with his father. He is far thinking and with the entire support of his clan who sees the potential in him from the very beginning, he is groomed for much bigger things. Proving himself to both his Uncle and his family his world begins to involve the aristocracy and the world they live in.

On the other side we have Alexis, a very different young woman to the women of her age. She has a strong business acumen, is her father's heir and has sworn off marriage. Meeting Sebastian, the father of her friend and being bowled over by him despite the age difference, Alexis is blissfully happy until the untimely and savage unexpected death of Sebastian blows her world away.

How the two stories come together is the story of this book. At times too simplistic, it is however something that we all like to read and enjoy - a happy ending despite villains, treachery, back stabbing, thievery, ungrateful relations. Great read.

Barbara Taylor Bradford's new historical fiction series starts off with interesting and strong character development. I loved the families she has introduced, and wanted to keep reading to find out what's next. I felt the story lagged a bit and I was looking for more plot, which I'm sure will come as she moves on to the next book. This book lays the foundation of a lot of characters, all of whom make the book come together. It kept me intrigued as what the future will bring. The love story that developed was so well written it made me cry. I definitely think it's worth the read and will be eager for the next one. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the detailed descriptions of the homes, dresses and surroundings of Victorian London. Once I realized that this was number one of a series, I relaxed into the plot lines and realized that that many would be left unresolved.

I was annoyed by the anachronisms, which a careful editor would have resolved.

James’ character is a “to be resolved” for me. Perhaps his behavior would be called “gentlemanly” by Victorians. He has an affair with a widow, lies about it, turns on his accuser, then continues the affair. Now that James has fallen in love, it will be interesting to see how he matures.

This was my first Barbara Taylor Bradford book. Reading other reviews makes me think that earlier books might be worth revisiting.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was the first Barbara Taylor Bradford novel. Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do. I love how she introduces the characters separately and it makes you wonder how they will all connect. I enjoyed the character of James and his family. Alexis is a strong woman and I did not see that coming! Leaving out details as I don’t want to give any spoilers.
Looking forward to the next book in this series. Thank you NetGalley.

Master of His Fate by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I really liked the story. I understand this book will be a series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. The book left me wanting to read more about the families and adventures.

Good story of an ambitious young man who started by helping his father sell wares in the market, and then got help from his grandparents to learn about retail and wine and estate sales, to working for a retailer. Just the beginning of his story though. I can definitely see a sequel to this book.

A very good family saga. This is book one in a new series and looking forward to finding out more about these characters. By the book's end you have been drawn into Victorian England and yearn to learn more about the lives of James and Alexis.

I had not read BTB in a long time. The synopsis intrigued me and am happy to discover that this is the first of a 4 book saga involving the Falconer and Malvern families. It is set in Victorian England, and the young Falconer yearns to become shipping magnate like Henry Malvern. Looking forward to reading more about James.

Ever since devouring The Woman of Substance series over a decade ago, I have loved everything written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. After reading some low reviews of this one, I was nervous to start it. My fears were soon allayed, however, as I became lost in the setting and the deliciously detailed story, forgetting all about the negative reviews.

Set during the Victorian era in London, England, Master of His Fate chronicled the lives of James, a charming and ambitious young man who dreams of owning a successful department store and Alexis, a young woman raised by her widowed father and trained to run his extremely successful department store, or “arcade” as they were called in that time period. The story follows James and Alexis as they pursue their parallel dreams. Alexis was everything I love in a heroine: independent, strong yet likable, as well as charitable, intent on raising funds to open a home for abused women and their children.

The descriptions of the time period were vivid, the myriad of characters rich, the plot strong, and I was completely drawn in and mesmerized. As with all of Ms. Bradford’s books, there were a large cast of characters introduced at a rapid pace, but thanks to her masterful writing style, I did not have any trouble distinguishing one from the other. The story included many touching and romantic scenes, while also providing interesting and true to life information about running a successful business in that day and age. As a marketing professional, I was especially intrigued by the latter and lapped up the details. Fans of fashion and Cartier jewelry will also enjoy the colorful descriptions.

Master of His Fate, Ms. Bradford’s 33rd novel, was a very auspicious and exciting start to a new historical fiction saga, and I personally cannot wait for the next installment!

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions of my own.

Location: England (London) and France (Le Havre and Paris)

I just loved this book! I think it is now my absolute favorite! The author's characterization skills are phenomenal. She has the knack of being able to make her characters very realistic. No cookie-cutter characters here. They are not all sweet and full of fluff. No there are some mean ones, some very stubborn ones, some pathetically clueless ones, as well as strong and forthright ones. This just makes the conflict in the story that much more real, which, in turn, makes the resolution of the conflict Thank you Netgalley for letting me read it