The Cavendon Luck
Every member of the Ingham-Swann family seems to possess the formidable strength, intelligence, love and compassion necessary to survive the years before and during WWII in Great Britain. At times they almost seem too good to be true, but their training as members of the British aristocracy is evident in their impeccable appearance and behavior. However, while they have survived previous challenges – this is the third of the Cavendon novel series – the dangers posed by Adolf Hitler and his Nazis will test their fortitude to the limit.
Meet Cecily, a designer, who quickly transforms her haute couture business to produce clothing the military will need for the war, as well as adapting her classy female styles for those with less to spend. Then one encounters Deirdre, a secret spy whose contacts, including German ones, provide vital information to prepare England for specific wartime attacks and maneuvers. Widowed at a young age, she wonders about a future love, never dreaming how close that reality is. The men in the family are patriotic and ready to sacrifice all for their country, never dreaming how high that cost might be.
Barbara Taylor Bradford portrays these and other characters with the indomitable spirit that matches the leadership of Winston Churchill. Doubts are quickly stifled, and the expression of a victorious spirit becomes the disciplined mantra spoken and practiced by all, epitomized in the family’s (Ricardian) oath, “Loyalty binds me.” Bradford bypasses the implied generalizations about the privileged class to capture the essence of a nation united in prayers and attitude for victory. Remarkable, somewhat contrived, but sincere, romantic and engaging historical fiction based on several actual living heroes and heroines.
