Secrets of Cavendon

This is the fourth book in the Cavendon Hall series that I have read. I was initially interested in reading these stories since I love historical fiction. The writing is just okay. The author tends to repeat dialogue a lot. I always read the books thinking no one really talks like this. I also struggle to remember who all the characters are. There are so many. It would have been helpful to include a family tree in the beginning of the book to help. However, it is a fun, easy read.

Secrets of Cavendon by Barbara Taylor Bradford is fourth book in Cavendon Chronicles Series. It is June in 1949 at Cavendon Hall. Countess Cecily Swann Ingham is working to make the property profitable and for them to be able to pay the upcoming taxes. Lady Daphne objects to how commercial Cavendon Hall is becoming and decamps with her husband to Switzerland. Lady Cecily must now stay on at Cavendon Hall full time while managing her business, Cecily Swann Couture long-distance which has been struggling since the war ended. Lady Cecily decides to create a new collection using the gardens at Cavendon Hall as inspiration. Alicia Ingham Stanton is starting a new film and is taken by Adam Fennell, the associate producer. Can Adam be the love show more of her life? Victoria is busy doing photo shoots and is intrigued by her latest subject, Christopher Langdon. Lady Daphne’s family is worried about her health, but she is evading their questions. Life is never dull for the Swann and Ingham families. Come see how they are faring in Secrets of Cavendon.

Secrets of Cavendon did not feel as if it was written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. It lacked focus and jumped around from character to character (and kept introducing more people). The last 15% of the book was the most interesting. I was never pulled into the story the way I was with other works by this author (A Woman of Substance for example). Before embarking on Secrets of Cavendon, you need to have read the first three books in the Cavendon Chronicles Series (or you will be utterly lost in the beginning). The story dwells on Lady Cecily trying to keep the estate afloat. There is a lack of action until the end of the book when a murder occurs. Most of the characters lack depth, and they are all very similar (and felt fake). Many of them are superficial and do not add to the story. It is easy to predict how the book will turn out (it is expected). I found many of the same details repeated throughout the story (like filler) along with information from the previous books in the series. I do feel that Barbara Taylor Bradford accurately portrayed the financial woes that befell many great estates after World War II. Otherwise, I was not impressed with Secrets of Cavendon. I will hesitate before picking up another book by this author (she used to be one of my favorites). show less

This is my first review for an ARC received through Netgalley and I was very excited to read the book. I remember reading the author's books a couple of years back and I recollect them as feel good romance novels. I was expecting a similar kind of experience from this book as well.
Even though I haven't read the other books in this series, it was easy to get into the details and figure out most of the characters within the first couple of chapters. Though the story is set immediately after WWII, most of the characters are women from the English upper class who are working in various different professions and fairly independent for the time period; this was the best part of the book. However, the book doesn't offer much in terms of plot show more or conflict. Everyone is gorgeous and good looking, most of them are very good people, most of the romances are love at first sight, all problems get solved by applying the first idea that comes to the character's minds. Even the suspense and murder mystery was quite expected. Everything just feels too easy.
On the whole, this book is good for a breezy read when you have no expectations or for anyone who likes the Cavendon Hall series. It just wasn't for me. show less

My Review of “Secrets of Cavendon” by Barbara Taylor Bradford, St. Martins Press, November 2017

“Secrets of Cavendon” by Barbara Taylor Bradford is an engaging and entertaining novel. The genres for this book are Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. This is a book that is part of The Cavendon Chronicles( part of a series), but I was able to keep up with the story and characters. This series involves the Inghams and the Swanns, their friendship, and marriages. The blurb says,””The Secrets of Cavendon picks up in the summer of 1949, with a new generation of the estate at the forefront of the scandal and intrigue.”
The author describes the characters as complex, and complicated. Some are strong, and courageous, and loyal, and there show more are secrets, betrayals and danger . My favorite character is Cecily, who is motivated to keep Cavendon running smoothly. Cavendon is an opulent and gorgeous estate with gardens and beautiful exquisite architecture. Cavendon provides the perfect landscape for creative endeavors. Cecily realizes that between the taxes and the cost of keeping Cavendon, something must be done. Another character that I admire is Aunt Charlotte who seems to provide wonderful advice and has the means to implement them. The women are hardworking and capable. I love seeing how the women in the family bond together.

There are secrets of both the Inghams and Swanns recorded in diaries and books throughout the history of the Cavendon. Is this enough of a reason for betrayal or even murder?

I love that the author shows the importance of family, loyalty, love, faith, hope and determination. I also find that the “sisterhood ” of women helping support one another through various crisis is admirable. I would highly recommend this book for readers of Women’s fiction. I would also suggest reading the other books in the proper order. I would like to thank Barbara Taylor Bradford, and St. Martins Press and for an Advanced Reading Copy for my honest review. show less

Thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

I'm a big fan of her books and have read all but Cavendon Luck which is #3 in this series. I wished I would have read it before since there's a lot I missed.

I enjoyed this family generational book but it wasn't as good as the first two in my opinion. Not much going on except for a murder.

If you enjoy History or Historical fiction. Secret of Cavendon may be one of the books to pick up. It is book #4 in the series, I think you read it as a standalone if you want to. The plot bring out quite a few romances. One may be dangerous.

We see who the woman of Cavendon are and work together. We seem to learn more about history of the Swanns and Ingram's life. Well as we know we have Alicia, Cecily and Miles and their children. Get action and adventures. We also meet Cecily friends and or buisness partners.

There change coming and will they be able to stick together though it all? There a murder, heartbreak, drama. Bradford does it all in one book. There seems to be several story lines going on though out he book. They all seem to be show more teeming from Cavendon. What are secrets of Cavendon that seem to be everyone is worried about. It seems that is in record books.

If you are into British history or want learn a little bit about Britain and London this book is set in that area. You got Earls and Countess in this book. show less

Fabulous as always!!!!