In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

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Description:
James Lionel Falconer has risen quickly from a mere shop worker to being the right-hand man of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. With Malvern’s daughter Alexis running away to the country after a terrible tragedy and refusing to return, James’ ascent to head of the company seems inevitable. But even a charmed life like James’ is not without its setbacks.

A terrible fire threatens to end his merchant career before it’s had a chance to truly begin. Mrs. Ward, James’ former paramour, has a secret that could change his life forever. And his distaste for Alexis Malvern is slowly growing into feelings of quite a different sort. Can James continue to be the master of his own fate, or will all of his charm, intelligence, and wit finally fail him when he has to enter the lion’s den?

Review:

In the Lion’s Den by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the 2^nd book in her House of Falconer series, and even if you have not read the first book, this reads very well as a standalone. In the Lion’s Den is set in Victorian times in England 1889-1892. James Falconer, our hero, has worked hard working for Henry Malvern’s shipping company, and has successfully risen up to be his right-hand man.  James enjoys his job, has a great relationship with Malvern and other staff members, but he continues to dream about opening his own business in time. 

Alexis Malvern, is Henry’s daughter and heir apparent to the company, who after the death of her significant other, runs away to the country side, avoiding anything to do with the company.  Alexis has friends where she is staying, as she slowly grieves, and she ignores her father’s constant attempt for her to return home.  

When some things go wrong, such as a fire, and embezzlement, James is promoted by Henry Malvern to become managing director of the compnay.  He travels to Kent to meet with Alexis, to show her the changes being made, and she is very rude to James.  In a short time, Alexis will realize that she cannot continue to stay away, and it was time for her to go home to her father and the company.   James agrees to stay another year and train Alexis on taking control of the company and becoming the managing director, as well as the charity she runs.

What follows is watching Alexis work with James, and a slow built romance starts, as both have strong attractions to each other.  Alexis realizes how mean she has been to James, and knows this was due to her feeling an attraction to him early on, making her run away.  I really loved James and Alexis together, and was happy to see that Alexis was able to rise above her tragic loss and open her heart up again. I also loved many of the secondary characters who played a major role in this story. 

In the Lion’s Den was well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, with a wonderful Victorian background, a bit of history, wonderful characters and romance.  This is a difficult review to write, as you really need to become immersed into the story line, enjoying Bradford’s ability to narratively tie all the pieces together.  In the Lion’s Den is another winner for Barbara Taylor Bradford, and I suggest to read this story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher