Master of His Fate, by Barbara Taylor Bradford

In this Historical Novel we begin a new series regarding Merchants and the Aristocracy in 1880's England. There is quite a difference in culture between the two classes. Although things are becoming a bit closer as the Aristocracy is facing troubling times in a declining agricultural economy that is bringing a strong fiscal downturn that endangers their style of living.

In this new series of novels we will be introduced to the Malvern and Travelian families who have a high standard of living based upon their financial acumen. We will also meet the Falconer family who are in the lower level of the trade business as well as as household servants. The two classes are fairly far apart, but they do have some overlap.

This story revolves around James Falconer a young man who is helping his father by attending to their merchants stall in the marketplace. But James has high goals for himself to rise to the level of owning a complete Marketplace of his own where others have their stalls. The easiest comparison would be that he wants to own what we today would think of as a shopping mall, as well as owning "The Anchor" store for that mall.

James is highly intelligent and quite capable for a teenager. We will follow his rise in business as he makes great strides towards his goal.

Then there is Alexis Malvern. The daughter of an owner of a vast Trading Business. Her father has built quite the business. But he has no son. So, one day his business will pass along to his daughter (something unusual for this time). Alexis is quite intelligent and capable. But she has one small issue. She doesn't want to marry. It's not that she doesn't like men, but she just doesn't feel the need to have a man in her life and most men are suspect of wanting her for her money.

Barbara Taylor does a great job of drawing words pictures for us of the culture of England during the late 1800's. She also brings a story of many lives and situations together that eventually tie everything up in a nice neat bow. There is business, mystery, romance and intrigue. While this is not a barn burner of a story it has a very appealing quality to it that draws you in and keeps you reading. It left me with a strange desire to want to follow along as the characters grow. So, with that said, I'm looking forward to the second installment in the series.

Enjoy reading.

The Christmas Wishing Tree

A Professional Young Woman who has adopted a little boy is finding that raising a child is difficult, but it can be even more difficult when outside forces come together to cause an issue.

Jenna Stockton and her son Reilly are making a good life for themselves even though she has a heavy work schedule as an obstetrician. Reilly loves his mom but he would love to have a dad. So, one day someone tells him that he should call Santa Claus and give him his request for Christmas. They tell him to dial North Pole One. So, young Reilly does and low and behold someone answers.

Then there is Devin Murphy a young man who is also adopted. He runs a charter fishing business but has had some tough times because of a hurricane sinking his boats. He is at home in Colorado in a small town visiting family. His phone gets damaged but Celeste Blessing gives him a disposable phone to sue while she tries to fix his. The phone rings and there is a little boy, Reilly, on the line wanting to talk with Santa Claus. Devin plays along and their friendship starts.

Through a huge series of events Jenna and Reilly flee to Eternity Springs when they are being stalked by someone. They want what Devin, Santa Claus, has told them about the small town.

Serendipity happens and they all meet. Love happens, but not all at once. Or is it love or just an overly protective Devin on the prowl.

The book is well written. The story line is very believable. Can a fairy tale romance really come true?

I was so engaged by the book I had to finish it as quickly as possible. Now I want to read more from this author. I would love a second book about Devin, Jenna and Reilly. I want the adventure to continue.
Enjoy!