Breaking the Rules: A Novel of the Harte Family

I picked this book up as a distraction during all the holiday chaos and my selection was made only on the fact it was by BTB. I've enjoyed the Ravenscar books but I missed the Harte Family. Now after 2 very late nights I got to around page 300 and realised the Harte's were back - never twigged in my tired brain. Once I realised who "M" was I had no choice but to cancel this day's plans and finish the book. I was not disappointed and have made a note to read it again to find all the clues I missed! If you are a fan of the Woman of Substance series, you'll be delighted to know BTB had returned to catch us up on the next generation.

Excellent story line, some surprises, ending results not a surprise but how it came to be was, kindof. Very enjoyable and difficult to put down.

Barbara Taylor Bradford is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her record-breaking debut novel, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, with her 25th bestseller, BREAKING THE RULES. It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since I first read about Emma Harte, the beloved matriarch who ignited Bradford's career. "Substance" is a befitting word to describe Bradford's style of writing. She opens BREAKING THE RULES with this description of M: "tall, slender, lithe, she moved with grace and had an inbred elegance...She carried a battered old black Hermès Kelly bag..." A simple introduction with notable substance keeps readers turning the pages to learn more about this mysterious 23-year-old, whose breeding, desire and determination give her the courage to flee a rape in London and embark on the journey to make it on her own as a model in Manhattan. M's background remains a mystery throughout part one of this epic novel; we coast along as she navigates the sea of hopeful actors, artists and models in New York, visiting the modeling agencies where she is registered and waiting for her big break. When that comes via an introduction to a photographer, M breaks the rules and rises to the top of the industry, immediately becoming the international face of French designer Jean-Louis Tremont's couture collections. Adding to the glamour of her allure, M is the recipient of one of life's little surprises --- she meets the man of her dreams at a Park Avenue party: "He walked toward her...Their eyes were locked on each other...And I know who you are...You're the elusive woman I've been searching for all of my life." This opening line from legendary British actor Laurence Vaughan begins their grand romance. Thankfully, Bradford's style of writing does not include steamy bedroom scenes or salacious interludes. She writes with a regal grandeur that alludes to the former and leaves the particulars to the reader's imagination. Few authors use this style with much commercial success, yet Bradford pulls it off with the proper etiquette befitting a recipient of the Order of the British Empire bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth in 2007 for literary achievements. Readers are swept away by their instant attraction and seeming destiny. Destiny is certainly made more real when the man of your dreams --- who happens to be theatrical royalty --- makes a beeline for you across a crowded room and says very softly, "You're the woman...the woman I want to run away with...Let's do that, shall we?" Thus begins the romantic prelude to a "Burmese sapphire, flawless, cushion-cut and mounted in platinum, with two diamond baguettes on each side." Fantasy is such sweet destiny. However, even grand romances include their share of baggage, and Larry's former addiction to prescription drugs and M's family skeletons and enemies interfere with the couple's bliss. M must reveal her true identity to Larry --- she is the great-granddaughter of Emma Harte, the founder of the most famous department store i

Waited very impatiently for this book to come out. Loved this series and hated for it to end. One of those books you hate to put down. More! More! More! M.K California

When a young woman flees to New York after a terrifying encounter in the English countryside, she reinvents herself and embarks on a journey that will lead her to fame, love, and good fortune. But just when everything is finally coming together for her, the mysterious "M" is about to encounter a dark figure from her past--a psychopath with deadly intent who has vowed to shatter her world forever. As we finally learn M's true identity and understand the complex dynamics of her famous family, we are intrigued by her history and captivated by the unfolding drama. Will M find the strength to overcome her past once and for all? And will her unusual family dynamics give her the courage to fight? What seemingly began as a fluffy, fashion story turned into a mystery, full of conspiracies and dramatic intrigue. We find in Breaking the Rules another masterpiece from the beloved Barbara Taylor Bradford.