In the Lion’s Den

House of Falconer #2

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

From the bestselling author of A Woman of Substance, a page-turning epic Victorian historical family saga.London 1889: Victorian London is a place of wealth, privilege and poverty, a city of extremes. For James Falconer, who grew up as a barrow boy on a London market, it is a city of opportunity.

Working his way up Henry Malvern’s trading company in Piccadilly, James faces fraud and betrayal. A fierce rivalry develops with Henry’s daughter and heir Alexis – but their animosity masks a powerful attraction.

Embarking on a love affair with the daughter of Russian émigrés, James’s life begins to transform. But as treachery and danger threaten, a secret comes to light that will change his life forever. James must decide where his future lies – with Henry Malvern or following his own dream…

Gripping, dramatic and bringing the England of Queen Victoria and the British Empire vividly to life, In the Lion’s Den is a sweeping historical epic from one of our finest storytellers, creator of A Woman of Substance.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Audiobook, Adult

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2019

About the author

Barbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Reviews

[Vonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful Barbara Taylor Bradford book. I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series but it read well as a stand alone. Barbara does what she does best, emerses us in the experience, you feel, see, smell everything. You know everybody. James continues on in his life in business and learns and makes mistakes in life. A good amount of research went into this book centered around victorian England, a great historical fiction novel.. I definitely need to get book 1 to see how this begins!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Bradford's books take me back to a much nicer time in my life, I use to get every book she wrote the day they came out.
Her writing is above and beyond the best to sweep you into the pages of the book so much so that you forget about the world around you.
This second book in The House of Falconer did not disappoint at all.
I was swept away until the very end I can not wait until book three arrives at my door.
Grab this 4 star read and get swept away.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[eyes.2c · Rating 2 out of 5]

Right off, I have to say this story, well saga really, about James Falconer just didn't grab me. I felt like I was wading through cotton wool. Just too much. And yes I have read long novels, like War and Peace etc., but this family epic lost me after the first few chapters.
The eternal Saturday dinners and occasional Sunday lunches with the Falconer family just stretched out into the distance, interminably. I'm glad the Falconers are such a close family but I didn't want to be part of their mealtimes, constantly!
Then there's the problem of Alexis, of course she's going to be a thorny challenge.
There's the requisite villain and the predictable ending. How could there not be?
I will put my hand up and confess I didn't enjoy those various tv series about the advent of department stores, the struggles to start up and maintain the vision. So maybe this type of saga was just not a good fit for me.
Others obviously loved it, others will love it, but I was just not that fussed.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Firstly I noticed how out of step the language of the book is with the actual era. It was grating to keep reading modern day phrases and words that the characters would not have said. I was constantly jolted out of the era that she is trying to put me in. And the characters we very one dimensional and tedious. Everything is happy and cheerful and lovely... it’s just a really boring book!! I’m half way through and wondering whether I’ll waste any more time with this drivel. I love a good historical fiction novel but there is no historical element, just irritating prose and characters.

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell right back into step with In the Lion's Den! I missed these rich and vivid characters and although it can be read as a standalone - I recommend starting with the first book because you will love James and Alexis’ story!

In the second story in The House of Falconer series this sweeping Victorian family saga continues to follow James and his dream to start his own empire, but as with any great historical and epic tale, danger and secrets loom in the shadows.

The story definitely has some suspenseful scenes as well as others that will have you laughing out loud. The Falconer family is such a supportive and loving cast and I really enjoyed getting to know them more and some new fresh faces as well! It’s very easy to root for them, James’ success, and watching Alexis’ rise up after tragedy.

I definitely think fans of this series will be thrilled with the story arc and how things end up. It picks right back up where the first book left off and it’s full of love, ambition, and quite a bit of mystery!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book in this series. I flew through it and I want to listen to it again. Like many family sagas by Barbara Taylor Bradford, the story is full of entertaining drama. There were tragedies, scandals, secrets, mysteries and romance. And all of those vivid characters and settings. More please.

My only problem with the story was the ending. What happened was great, but it was sooooo rushed. I feel cheated by part of the story I've been eagerly awaiting. It went from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. Where was the epic love story? The ending was wrapped in a big bow with a cherry on top. It felt like the end of the saga. It is supposed to be a four book series. Will there be a third book? I’ve read numerous reviews and nobody has mentioned that ending.

I listened to the audio version narrated by the talented Joan Walker. She is a perfect fit for this series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sweeping sagas set in England. I love that Ms. Bradford always makes her heroines strong and smart; sometimes too smart for their own good. The families in this series are all well to do by manners even if not by station. I’m hoping for another book in the series but if not this was a excellent sequel.

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the series of "The House of Falconer." The years will span between 1889 through 1892.

James Lionel Falconer is about to turn 21 years of age. He is an ambitious business man who has continued to rise working for Henry Malvern, the shipping magnate.

But James would like to start his own business in the foreseeable future.

Ms. Bradford has introduced some new characters in this series: The Parkinson's: Maurice and his wife, Ekaterina, who is of Russian decent; their children: Natalya, who is assistant to Alexis Malvern, who is the only child of Henry Malvern; Irina, the second daughter; and Alexander, known as Sandro. All of the children were born in England.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Barbara Taylor Bradford, the author of “In the Lion’s Den”, “The House of Falconer” Book Two, has written an intriguing, compelling, captivating, and entertaining novel. This is the second book in the series, and I really think one would benefit by reading the first but could read this as a stand-alone. The genres for this novel are historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance, suspense, and fiction. The timeline for this story is from 1889-1892. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated.
There are many characters from the first novel in this one, and there are also some new characters. James Lionel Falconer is now the right head man of Henry Malvern, who owns a shipping company. James now has a job that not only is responsible, but respectable. He certainly has worked his way up the ladder. There are certain secrets and threats that will change James' life forever.
Henry Malvern’s daughter Alexis is still depressed after a tragedy. Alexis shows no interest in running her father’s company. At times she seems to be mean spirited, and rude when she sees James. A close friend to Jane says something to get Jane to realize that it might be the time to move on.
I love the way that Barbara Taylor Bradford vividly tells her story through her characters, settings, and plot. I look forward to the next novel in the series. I highly recommend this entertaining and thought-provoking book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still mourning the loss of her fiancé, Alexis refuses to return home to help her father, Henry Ashton Malvern, run his business empire. Luckily for Henry, James Lionel Falconer remains a steadfast employee even though he still dreams of opening his own department store some day. A handsome, charismatic man, he also yearns for love. In Master of His Fate (5 stars), the first installment in this series, James thought maybe he'd found love with Alexis, but with Alexis depressed and retreating into herself now more than ever, he reconsiders:

"The love they [James' parents] had was what he yearned for someday-a love that was kind and true. And nothing about Alexis Malvern made him believe he would find it with her."

So, sigh. That was a disappointment, but alas, the story soon moves on meandering here and there as it reacquaints the reader with beloved characters from the first book and follows James as he continues his quest for success and love. Will he find what he's looking for in both business and pleasure?

Location: 1889-1892 London, England

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

[Rita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read most of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books and, I have to say, I think she is just "skating" these days. Her current writing is a far cry from the days of "A Woman of Substance" and some of the other Emma Harte books.

Thin plot, no real substance, trite conversations, etc. etc.

Not worth the time spent to read it.

[Mary Sinclair]

I have to say this saga didn’t grab me like her other books have. I don’t really know if it was the story or the story teller. I really did not enjoy the narrator, & sometimes felt like I was wading through cotton balls. I will definitely have to take a break before tackling her next novel.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her 1979 debut novel, A Woman of Substance, ranks as one of the top-ten bestselling books of all-time, with more than 30 million copies in print. All 31 of her novels to date have been major worldwide bestsellers.

IN THE LION’S DEN continues the story of James Lionel Falconer who has now risen the ranks from working in his father’s market stall and crowning himself as the merchant prince, to now working side by side with the glorious shipping magnate, Henry Malvern of London’s Malvern & Malvern Co. in the setting of Victorian England, the ever handsome and ambitious James’ path to success was never easy - instead full of drama and intrigue.

In Bradford’s signature storytelling style, she writes this historical fiction drama full of complex characters, a story rich in historical detail, and an entertaining storyline and plot with a pacing so enjoyable that makes it hard to put down.

Historical fiction readers will endear to the Falconers family as we read about the intricate storyline full of ambition, romance and unexpected twists that makes this novel such an immersive and compelling read I enjoyed.

[Alana Conradie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is such a boring book. Hardly anything actually happens ... until right at the end and even then it’s so weird, so surprising that it kinda throws you and leaves you with a perplexed look on your face.

If books were ice cream then this one would be vanilla... but not the fancy vanilla ... the really basic, boring, run of the mill, thrown together with cheap ingredients and no care kinda vanilla.

Such a shame because Barbara Taylor Bradford has written so many other great books , I mean real page turners! But this is definitely not one of them.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this Adavance Reader Copy free from Goodreads and appreciate it so much, thank you. I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and the author as well. I love Barbara Taylor Bradford's books and this was no exception. She is such a talented writer who writes in such descriptive detail, I feel as if I am in every scene and see everything clearly around me. I love Victorian times and history, which she provides here perfectly. At first reading how many characters there were, I felt a bit overwhelmed, fearing I wouldn't remember them all. But you don't have to, the way she writes it out, it's easy to keep up. The characters are relatable you you come to love and care for them. I was glad that even though this is Book#2 in,a series, you don't need to read Book#1: 'Master of his Fate' though you will want to in order to understand how the characters got to this point.
Set in Victorian times in England 1889-1892 James Lionel Faulkner has more responsibility as he's doing everything he can to reach the top of the prestigious shipping company in England. Climbing from a mere shop worker to being the right hand man of Henry Malvern doesn't come without its set of challenges. He's to bring his boss' daughter, Alexis, back to working at the business as Henry's health is failing. But she's refusing, having suffered a tragic loss of her fiancé, she wishes to seclude herself in mourning. There's the challenge to get the wine division back to being successful, discovering theft, building a new arcade to Henry's wishes to only having a fire that is a setback and he fears could end his career, Mrs. Ward, a former paramour, has a secret to reveal that will change his life forever and his distaste for Alexis Malvern, who was extremely rude to him from the beginning, was slowly starting to developing into a romance. Many twists and surprising developments that will keep you on edge eager to find out what happens next. I definitely have to get Book# 3 to see where this goes. Believe me, you will want to as well.

[Really Into This · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa contributed this review to Really Into This

Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!

Special thanks to Christina Lauren, Gallery Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Barbara Taylor Bradford weaves a beautiful tapestry of characters in this captivating novel.

There are certainly times when authors introduce too many characters. I thought this may be one. Luckily, all the family members & characters work beautifully! For me, it's easy to latch on to each & every character. While there is a full cast, each character has a distinctly important & different role.

Because I'm so invested in these characters, it is so easy to root for the Falconer family. This novel spans 4 years of their lives so we get a broad picture of how hard they work trying to achieve their goals. Even though this is the second in a series, I read it as a standalone. I don't think I missed a beat.

At the end of the day, In The Lion's Den is the story of a family's trials, triumphs & love. The more I read, the less I wanted to put my book down. I really wanted to see where the story ends up & what happens to this family. Read this if you're in the mood for an uplifting story centered around a close-knit & supportive family.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the second in a series. While I did not read the first book this book can easily stand alone. Ms. Bradford is a well established and a well known author, so it comes as no surprise that this is a well written novel.

I have always loved Barbara Taylor Bradford's books and this was no exception. She is such an extremely talented writer who writes in such descriptive detail. The details require a large amount of research and the reader feels as if they are part of every scene and see everything clearly around them.

This series is written during the Victorian era. In the beginning I was slightly concerned about how many characters there were, fearing I wouldn't remember them all. But in typical Barbara Taylor Bradford fashion you don't have to. The magic in the way the story unfolds , it is easy to see each character develop and it becomes easy to keep up. The characters are relatable and you come to love or hate them.

I really enjoyed it and am looking forward eagerly to reading what Barbara Taylor Bradford has in store for her faithful readers in book number three series. 

I would like to thank St. Martins Press, Barbara Taylor Bradford and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Taylor Bradford has done it again! She has created another wonderful story that will instantly pull you in, take you on a whirlwind ride and set you down unexpectedly and loving every minute of it. IN THE LION’S DEN was perfectly chiseled and took me to a time when I would find my mom reading through all her BTB books.

The plot line and the characters are beautifully penned. The Victorian era is vividly portrayed through this novel. There were so many times that I felt myself within the story, walking along side James and Alexis. I loved that feeling! The ups and downs of wondering what would happen with them, to them and around them, truly kept me hooked!

Once again, I highly recommend this beautifully chiseled novel. Bradford is a timeless story teller who never fails to deliver a story that will play out like watching a movie on the big screen. Her characters are always life like, her story line always full of rich details that make the reader feel as though they are truly the center of the story. I can’t wait to read the next book! Well done, Bradford. Well done!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Susan Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. After reading Master of His Fate(House of Falconer #1), I looked forward to finding out more about the characters I had followed in the first book. In the Lion's Den spans the years from 1889 to 1892. James Falconer is now an up and coming young businessman hungry to learn what he can from Henry Malvern. James comes from a devoted family that help him understand that the path of life and love can have challenges along the way...There are many new characters that will be interesting to follow if BTB continues the series! There were a couple of things that kept me from giving the book 5 stars. I would think that people in the late 1800's would be fairly conservative about pre-marital relations. The term, "posse" was used to describe a close gathering of family and friends that hang around with James. I don't think that term fits with the late 1800's. I LOVE BTB's books and look forward to finding out what lies ahead for James and Alexis!

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this series. Barbara Taylor Bradford has brought James Falconer to life in the House of Falconer series and I cannot wait to learn more about this motivated, honest, and hard-working man. The first book gave us a look at his upbringing and how he has become the man he is. This book continues that story but also shows his skills as a man who has dreams to achieve.

In the Lion’s Den is the story of James starting to set the path of starting his own business while being faithful to the Malvern family. He knows that without the Malvern family he would not be where he is today and shows the respect that they have earned from him. He never loses sight of his dream of starting his own company but realizes that he can do both if he stays on path.

The Victorian era setting, the wonderful characters, and the amazing story make this a must-read book. I do recommend reading the first book as it sets up many of the character's stories. Book three in this series cannot come soon enough. I cannot wait for more about James and his path to success.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Falconer #2

 James and his Uncle are back in the second House of Falconer book. While his uncle is busy with the newspaper, James has gone from working in the shop of Henry Malvern to being Malverns managing director.

From 1889 to 1892 we watch as James goes through the good, the bad and the jaw-dropping with all of the poise we love him for. As his feelings toward Alexis go from disapproval to romance. But James has recently been in touch with Georgina Ward and she has a secret to share.


All at once his carefully plotted life plan is turned upside down. The question is will he be the better for it or not.

I would recommend reading book one first, so you know the backstory.  Has there ever been a bad BTB book? NO.

I hope we will see more of this character!

Well Done!


NetGalley/May 26th, 2020 by St. Martin's Press

[Nicole reading_with_nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers here because because this is a must read series..⁣
Book two picks up following James Falconer, who is learning all he can to be a successful business man from Henry Malvern. James is now the business manager for Henry. ⁣
Alexis Malvern is still working hard for her father and James is right by her side teaching her what she needs to know to run her fathers business. ⁣
Will Alexis and James romance finally flourish in this book? You are going to have to read it to find out.. ⁣
Beautifully written as was the first book, the Victorian era details are breathtaking; I love when I can read historical fiction and vividly see what the author has written. ⁣
This is a must read for all historical fiction lovers and fans of the great BTB...⁣

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Book 2 in this series I read as a stand alone with no issues falling right into the storyline. This sorry takes place in Victorian times as a lover of historical fiction this book was a gem to me! Woven beautifully with the times I could see and feel each page I read and I was left excited to read the first book in this series so much I so I immediately bought book one! I loved how real the author made these characters feel. James was a great character who I must say is my favorite of the book! If you love a great series or saga filled with a immediate need to read everything ever written by an author- this is the book and series! I loved this book and can’t wait to read book 1 and anxiously awaiting book 3! A must read for 2020.

[Carol Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a Barbara Taylor Bradford fan and was thrilled when I learnt I won this book from the publisher through Goodreads for an honest review. Because I hadn't read the first book, I ran out to get it, hoping I would finish it before the next book in the series arrived. I really enjoyed the second book in the House of Falconer series, but enjoyed the first book more.

Not sure if there another book(s) coming up, but am really hoping so....

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️!

In the second installment of the House of Falconer series, James is continuing his work with Henry Malvern and dreams of building his own retail empire. Alexis has secluded herself in Kent after Sebastian's untimely death while her father and friends hope to bring her back to work and London society.

I enjoyed catching up with James and Alexis and hope their story continues!

[Jo-Ann Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a pitiful attempt to write historical fiction based on boring 2 dimensional characters with scant attention to economic, social, political & cultural realities of the day. A complete waste of paper.

[Hanner Bananer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ -
I wanted to like this one so much. The synopsis really interested me, especially as the romance and mystery seemed to be the top two genres. The book wasn't entirely awful which is why I was able to finish it. I liked certain things in this book and kept finding myself saying "I wish this got better," "I want this to get better," and "I really wanted to like this but I can't." The reason why I wanted it to get better is because it showed real promise if it weren't so slow. I know that this is apart of a 4 part series, but this was so weirdly paced I don't want to revisit the characters I found myself really liking such as Lady Jane Lord Reggie, and Claudia. The world and families were very well written, I felt apart of the family with how many members there were to remember. It made the world feel alive and full. Another example of well written characters was Alexis. If you can keep the time skips in mind, the progression of her character is nice to see. Her mental health struggle was relatable to see as some people handle grief horribly. I don't whole heartedly agree with how depression was depicted but, grief is unique to everyone so I don't mind. Seeing James grow and develop his ideals, go through relationships and deal with the unexpected was refreshing as well, I just wished it didn't take the first half of the book.
Unfortunately, there were more things I didn't like. As I mentioned previously, the pacing is really odd. The first 3/4ths of the story go really slow, filled with not much plot. Once you get about halfway things start moving again, but then the last fourth of the book felt super fast. Along with the weirdly paced story progression, the mystery in the book lasts for about 3-5 chapters it seems with no resolution to one crime committed. But like I said, I understand this is one out of four books, so maybe that will be re-visited and explained. The mystery however, was disappointing- I wasn't held in suspense at all or wondering who could have done it.
Now, one last big grievance before the final small one. The characters throughout the book have said certain things that were later contradicted by the same character chapters later. I get that people change over the course of a few years but it didn't feel as if they were speaking about a change in a character rather they had never expressed anything at all. Like Peter Keller, he seemed like a complete different character in the beginning. As soon as Natalie showed interest, he became remote despite saying how much he liked her, he didn't act like it. The author did later on try to make an excuse for his lack of action, however it just felt lame. It seemed like he was getting set up for a much bigger role of the story than he was actually in. The last not so important thing I will complain about is about "can he brave the lions den?" yes he can, he freaking works there.
This one just wasn't it in my opinion. There are good qualities in this book but for me there's too many things to overlook and it became boring fast.

[Maria Fiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scontato

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay. I felt like there were too many characters to try and remember which really puts me off a story. Overall, I am not sure this book is my cup of tea, even though it did start interestingly.


*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*