Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Should Be Reading.
Today I’m excerpting from The Heir, by Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Intro: (Chapter One – Ravenscar, 1918)
It was a compulsion, the way he came down to this stretch of beach whenever he returned to Ravenscar.
A compulsion indeed, but also an overwhelming need to recapture, in his mind’s eye, their faces…their faces not yet cold and waxen in death, but still warm. Neville, his mentor, his partner in so many schemes and adventures; Johnny, his beloved companion of their youth. He had loved them well and true, these Watkins brothers, these cousins of his who had been his allies.
At least until a mixture of hurt feelings, overweening ambition, flaring emotions, and dangerous elements had intervened and pried then apart. They had become sworn enemies, much to Edward’s chagrin, a pain that had never ceased to trouble him. And now Johnny and Neville were dead.
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Teaser: Cecily Watkins Deravenel sat alone in the library. She had positioned herself on one of the large, overstuffed sofas near the fireplace and was enjoying a cup of coffee, thinking about her little grandson. p. 16
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Amazon Description: At the age of thirty-three, Edward Deravenel, having survived harrowing years of betrayal, threats from ruthless enemies, countless lovers, and a war that ravaged his country, is finally king of his company. It’s 1918, an influenza pandemic is sweeping the country, and Edward has a family and a business to protect. He must thread his way between his loyal brother, Richard, and his treacherous middle brother, George, an alcoholic bent on self-destruction . . . but not before he tries to ruin Edward and his good name. Meanwhile, the wrath of his ever-jealous wife, Elizabeth, is reaching a boiling point as suspicions about Edward’s relationships with other women arise.
Politics of inheritance are intense, and different family factions vie for honor over the years. An heir is needed to keep the Deravenel name alive, but tragedy and death remain obstacles at every turn. The choices include a loyal caretaker, a jealous rumormonger, a charming young woman, a sickly boy, and the scion of the family Edward ousted from power years before.
Barbara Taylor Bradford triumphs once again with a novel about passion, treachery, marriage, and family, and the compromises we’re forced to make for power and love.
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So…would you keep reading? I know that I have thoroughly enjoyed Barbara Taylor Bradford’s books, especially the Harte series. This one is taking me a bit to warm up to…but I’m going to give it a try.
What are the rest of you sharing? I’m now off to check your excerpts.
I’ve read books by Barabara Taylor Bradford before and think of them as grand, sweeping novels with lots of memorable characters. Hope you like it. Here’s Mine
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Yes, grand and sweeping are great characterizations for her books. My favorites were the stories about Emma Harte and her descendants. Thanks for visiting, Paulita….
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sounds like a pretty good book. kaye—the road goes ever ever on
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I hope so, Kaye…and thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy yours.
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The teaser kind of puts me in mind of Miss Marple.
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Ah, yes….and one of my favorite things about BTB is her ability to show me the lush settings of her characters’ worlds. Thanks for visiting, Alice Audrey.
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Have never read this author, but hear she is good. I hope the book improves for you. Thanks for visiting!
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Oh, so do I, Heather. My favorite from this author is the Harte Dynasty series, beginning with A Woman of Substance. Thanks for stopping by.
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Sounds like an interesting book although I haven’t heard of the book before hope you enjoy it 🙂
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I think I will, Kate, although I know it will take a couple of days to read. Thanks for stopping by.
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Great teaser! I’ve never heard of the book before; I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Happy reading!
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You’re welcome, Sasha…glad you could return the visit.
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It’s been a long time since I’ve read this author. The teaser would make me read a bit more. Thanks for joining in
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Thanks for visiting, Diane; sometimes it’s hard to connect with some characters in this new series, but I’m hoping I will.
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I loved the Harte series too, and have not read this one. (I checked ;o). Look forward to your thoughts.
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I think it’s hard to match the Harte series, but I’m going to give this one a try. Thanks for visiting, Nise.
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Lovely teaser. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for visiting, Andrea…glad you liked it!
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I used to read this author all the time, but I haven’t in awhile. Great teaser!
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It’s been awhile for me, too, Yvonne….I think I’ve gravitated toward more contemporary, shorter books. Woe is me! Thanks for visiting.
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What a lovely picture is painted in your teaser! I’ve read a lot of Barbara Taylor Bradford books, but missed this one.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog post.
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Thanks, Sandra…I love how this author depicts the settings in her novels. I feel as though I’m right there in the same rooms with them. Glad you could stop by.
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I haven’t heard of this book or author. Thanks for sharing and for coming by Alli’s World!
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You’re welcome, and thanks for visiting back, Alli. Enjoy your read!
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You had me at the mention of the library! Thanks for stopping by.
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Yes, I love how the author’s characters are surrounded by books and so much beauty. Makes me want to be there with them. Thanks for stopping by, Beth.
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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog!
Very nice teaser. Makes me long for a quiet day at the library too.
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Thanks, Wuthering Willow…When reading a BTB book, I feel cozy, even in the grandest rooms. They are usually filled with books, with fireplaces nearby. Glad you could visit.
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I love Barbara Taylor Bradford…thanks for this teaser.
My teaser is below.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com/2012/10/teaser-tuesday-1092012.html
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I hadn’t read any of her books in awhile…this one was on my Old TBR piles…thanks for visiting, Elizabeth.
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