Cover Image: The Wonder of It All

The Wonder of It All

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Member Reviews

This is the third and final book in the House of Falconer trilogy. James Falconer has returned from the Great War, injured, but not out. In this book he continues to grow his empire. There is a good story here but I felt that it was very repetitive and the descriptive passages were overdone. There were build ups to nothing and sub plots left unanswered. I was disappointed as I’ve loved previous books by this author. Overall I would give this story 2.5 ⭐️. Many thanks to #NetGalley for my ARC of this book.

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The third in the trilogy, and my first read of the three, this historical fiction novel wasn't quite the all-encompassing family saga I was wishing for. While it has the traditional elements of such a novel, it felt too simplistic for me; the characters were over-described and I don't feel i ever really got swept up in the action of it all.

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An enjoyable story, but with so many historical inaccuracies. As an historian, this really got to me as I was reading the book because historical fiction novels should be well researched. This just didn’t seem to be. I will try other books by this author as I did enjoy the writing style.

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A welcome third book in the Falconer series; I have read the first 2 in the series and so was delighted to get a preview of this third in the series via NetGalley.

The book centres on the character of James Falconer, a self made tycoon who go to fight in the Great War and returns to England with ;horrific injuries to his legs and a long recuperation/recovery ahead of him.

He is helped back to health by Georgiarna Ward, whom he has loved for some time and had a daughter with, along married at the time. His wife has died, is he free to love again or does his daughter Leonie have other ideas ,as she has had nothing to do with him and feels he has abandoned her!

How can James save his business, his relationship with his daughter and lover, whilst healing himself from the ravages of war?

A satisfying conclusion to the Falconer series, what's next BTB?

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It is many years since I've read a book by B T Bradford. I had always enjoyed previous works but was left disappointed by this book. I found the story slow and difficult to get into. It was also repetitive. Not sure if this was because it was a pre publication.

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It is a while since I have read a book by Barbara Taylor Bradford and I was slightly disappointed. I found that the characters were difficult to get to know. I did not realise that this was part of a series and perhaps if I had read the previous books I may have got to know the characters better. Overall slightly underwhelmed.

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Another superb read from BTB. I have to confess to being a fan of her books having read them all. I have taken a little longer to review this title as I wanted to read the trilogy which, I think, put everything into perspective. I loved the characters and the story line meant the books were unputdownable. James Falconer sounded like a wonderful man full of ambition - reminded me a bit of A Woman of Substance - I was sad to read about the demise of Alexis James one true love. Georgiana seemed to just be stringing him long and I was delighted to hear of him getting together with Anabelle. You really do get invested in the characters in all of BTB's books. She always leaves you wanting more...........

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The wonder of it all is the third book in a series of three centring on the life and times of James Falconer. This book deals with WW1. While this is not the best Barbara Taylor Bradford novel I have read, if you can look beyond the historical inaccuracies and the 2D characters the story is good enough. The book begins in the trenches and ends up being a two themed story of romance and reconciliation with his daughter. It is a holiday read at best.
Thank you for the free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Quite enjoyed this book, but found the characters a bit stuffy, not sure if that was what the author was aiming for. Story was good though.

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This is the third book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone like I did.
Well written with a good storyline & great characters with a rags to riches theme.
Set just after world war 1 James is home suffering from really bad injuries.
Eventually he returns to a badly ailing business that has suffered much since he went to war.
He is hopeful he can turn it around .
He is very vulnerable & hopefully he will be able to move forwards.
Enjoyable captivating storyline that held me.

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I love family sagas and this is what attracted me to this book. I decided to read the previous two (Master of His fate and In the Lion’s Den) and follow with this one.

I enjoyed the overall story of the Falconers, a real rags to riches story. It is entertaining and light, pleasant to read.
The first books are offering more of a historical backdrop with, in my view, more depth into describing the cultural, political and societal situation at the time. I thought this third book was less rich in historical background and was much more focussed on the Falconer empire and his private life. The plot was lighter but I liked the characters and the atmosphere of the book.

I enjoyed the read. Definitely a good idea to read all the books to get the entire story.

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I have loved Barbara's books for many years and this one is no exception. She is an author that can evoke many emotions, This book has been well planned and written. Thank you for the ARC.

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I just love books by Barbara Taylor Bradford, that said I found myself a little lost with this 3rd book in the series. I did love the book and the following story of the Falconer family. I will read the series again and I am sure I will refresh my memories of the first two books and it will all fall into place.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for the early read

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I've always loved Barbara Taylor Bradford and it was good to read another saga. However, maybe my tastes have changed over the years as I found the repetitive style of writing off putting. Constantly being reminded who characters are for example. Overall I really enjoyed the book and getting to know the characters. James Falconer's experience in the First World War is laid bare and how his life progresses afterwards as he slots back into civilian life and the adventures and relationships that await. #netgalley #TheWinderOfItAll

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James Falconer a tycoon and a self-made man seems to have the world in the palm of his hand, then Great War looms, and James decides to fight for king and country. James returns a changed man, with wounds both physical and mental. His beloved wife is dead, but a new woman returns to help nurse him back to health. Georgiana Ward once held James in her thrall, but years have passed and bitterness has set in. Still, the old attraction is there and James is determined to make amends to both Georgiana and his daughter Leonie now a grown woman and someone he hasn't seen in decades. Leonie is having none of it, and is embarking on a dangerous journey with a man who might very well destroy her. As James fights to return to the man he once was, he needs to find a way to heal his body, soul, and family.
This is the third part of the series & as I love series & always need to read from the start, I’ll practically always recommend reading books in order. A very enjoyable book the characters were likeable & had quite good depth. I’ve grown to really like James over the trilogy & became engrossed in the new challenges he faced after returning from the war. Whilst not the best book from the author it was still a very good & enjoyable book
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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The life and times of the upper crust; those who manage to return from WW1. The story follows the lie and times of Major James, severely wounded leading his men into battle, then his subsequence recovery and return to civilian life. James having beset by tragedy has for most his life been alone, focused on building a business empire which due to his absence and the war was in dire straits. How he rebuilds his empire and then urged by friends and family to slow down and to think of himself when an opportunity presents itself which he is afraid to take. What happens leaves him to consider himself the luckiest man alive and reflect on the wonder at it all. A historical novel giving a taste of the manners, culture and the slow pace of life of that time

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This was my first book by this author and also in this series. It took me a long time to arrive in the book and I never really connected with the story or the characters. Not sure if this was because I didn't read the previous books in the series or if it was just a personal thing.

I found the writing quite compelling at times, however, the repetition of information completely disrupted the reading flow and some parts of the story seemed very chaotic and random.

Overall this story really didn't click with me, but judging by other reviews, I am in the minority with this.

*** Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the providing an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

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I used to love reading books by this author but, I found this one slow and plodding, not quite up to her usual standard. I struggled with the characters as I hadn't read the other two in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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Having read the previous two books it was with great anticipation I waited for this book and I was not disappointed.
The third book in The House of Falconer it continues the story of James Falconer and his business empire ,however it can be read as a stand alone book and as the story develops there are lots of flashbacks relevant to the emerging story.
Barbara Taylor Bradford is a brilliant storyteller and this book is no exception

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This is the first book I've read by this prolific, popular writer but found that I just couldn't get into it. I realise that this book is the third in a series and maybe if I'd read the previous ones it might have been better. However, I found it all somewhat slow with rather wooden dialogue and descriptions with little plot. Some of the descriptions and conversations seemed so matter of fact and encyclopedic rather than evoking atmosphere plus there was a lot of repetition. I have given it 3 stars as fans of this author may well enjoy it but I didn't.

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