The Cavendon Luck

Cavendon Hall #3

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a captivating epic saga of courage and honor, following the aristocratic Inghams and the loyal Swann family who have served them for centuries.

It is 1938 in England, and Miles and Cecily Ingham have lead the family in bringing the Cavendon estate back from the brink of disaster. But now, with the arrival of World War II, Cavendon Hall will face its biggest challenge yet. It is a challenge that will push the Inghams and Swanns to protect each other and the villagers, and reveal their true capacity for survival and rebirth.

Told with Bradford’s deft, evocative prose and featuring a beloved cast of characters, The Cavendon Luck is a story of intrigue, romance, sorrow, and joy that readers won’t soon forget.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Romance, British Literature

512 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2016

About the author

Barbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

This woman is actually just an atrocious writer (I can't remember if the first two books in the series were as poorly written...?). She summarizes far too much, and her descriptions are overly romanticized--everyone is so beautiful, everyday is "awash with golden sunshine," and of course everyone loves the "famous Inghams." What set me over the edge this time was the author's absolutely horrendous grasp of history. If you're going to attempt to write about WWII, have a basic understanding of WWII history.

And to top it off, this book had literally no plot. It was just an overlong summary of a bunch of people during WWII. But nothing happens to them. Oh, one loses his leg at the evacuation of Dunkirk (which the author paints as some sort of British victory), but it's okay, the character is "quite sure" he'll be okay because artificial legs are so wonderful. So they all go have tea (no joke, the whole event is about 10 pages and that's what happens). Another character dies in a bombing raid, but despite her being a main character, she's dispatched in a scene last approximately 1.5 pages. (And they feel "very sorrowful.") But it's okay, because the most of the Inghams are still alive, and the Swanns will slavishly help them recover (not sure from what, no one ever seems terribly upset by anything in the entire novel).

There's no climax because there's no central conflict or question. The entire novel easily could've ended at part one and been a lot more interesting.

The number of 5 star reviews this has gotten makes me sad for the reading public. This is not 5 star literature. This is the pointless drivel of someone who has a tenuous at best grasp of literature and plot structure.

[Em Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway**

If I had one word to describe CAVENDON LUCK: meh. If I had another: cheese.

I have to say, I was pretty disappointed. I love historical fiction, but this particular novel fell a little flat for me. It wasn't the kind of story you can lose yourself in, and I didn't find any of the descriptions very vivid at all. My biggest problem, though, was the characters. If I had a dollar for every time someone was described as fabulously good looking, I'd be richer than the Inghams. Pretty much every character had the same sickeningly positive personality, void of any flaws or quirks that could have made them interesting. I must have rolled my eyes several thousand times. Even when deaths occurred, I found it difficult to care.
The second half was better than the first, probably since the war had actually started. Considering that it wasn't alternate history, all their pondering over whether or not a war would happen was tedious. Yes, it is going to happen. We all know that.
I personally found the writing pretentious and dull, but that being said, the book wasn't without its merits. It was an easy summer read, very cheerful, and stood alone well, although I think it would have been better if I'd been able to read the first two books first. So I won't be adding myself to the fan club, but I can see how it would appeal to other readers.

[Heather York · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the previous books in this series avd throughly enjoying them I was disappointed with this book.

Set during the outbreak of the second World War, I felt the narrative skipped haphazardly between explaining the events which the war was taking (which were historically inaccurate in places and didn't contribute towards the storyline) and the lives of the main characters the Inghams and Swanns without much gravitas. I found myself skim reading a lot of this novel which Is something I'm not in the habit of doing I only kept in with it as I enjoyed the previous novels so much.

I hope the next installment is more enjoyable

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway

Barbara Taylor Bradford has been one of my favorite authors since I read "A Woman Of Substance" when I was in high school. Part of what I loved about "The Cavendon Luck" was Emma Harte and Blackie O'Neill showing up. I love that Bradford keeps reminding us of the powerhouse that the Emma Harte Saga is!

I think I read the first book in the "Cavendon Hall" series; the characters seem familiar, like old friends. This book takes us through World War II with the Ingham and Swann families. The families have been tied to each other through the centuries. The reader assumes that their connection will continue far into the future. Bradford's historical accuracy is always spot-on. The quotations from Churchill's speeches and the character's hanging on every word reminds us of the impact of words on a nation. This is the first I'd read about Admiral Caneris, the head of the Third Reich's intelligence division who used all of his knowledge and power to fight against Hitler from the inside.

As always, Bradford's characters are so well built that they seem like real people. After reading one of her novels I always feel like I watched a movie. I find myself rooting for the characters to make it through the war and to succeed at bringing Britain out better on the other side.

If you haven't read a Barbara Taylor Bradford novel, I would suggest starting with "A Woman of Substance". If you're a fan of her, I would recommend reading "The Cavendon Hall" series.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 2 out of 5]

As typical of a BTB book, this story is heavy on the daily issues of life between the two families and really not a lot of depth. But in her traditional fashion, the author manages to keep us involved along the way. I think the audio version has a lot to do with that as the reader is talented and engaging.

This book is not without its issues, however. One of the main issues is there unless you have read the other installments, you will have a difficult time following the list of characters.

Another problem in this book is that like I mentioned prior, this book has no depth. A lot of assumptions are made and people die off or disappear along the way. The ending is so-so and really has left no real impression on me.

While BTB is well known for her books, mainly because she has been around for so long and has so many publications, the fact is that while the concept is great for this book, the execution was boring and lackluster.

full review: http://amidlifewife.com/cavendon-luck...

[Karen R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the third in the Cavendon Hall series by Barbara Taylor Bradford. It covers all the usual bases of the first two - romance, the rich and beautiful, historic events, escape from real life. A decent read, although editing it down 100 or more pages to get rid of some of the extraneous information would have been welcomed. The feedback of various readers that the first two books had too many characters to keep track of fell on deaf ears. As with the first two books in the series, I found it hard to keep everyone straight. It doesn’t feel right for me to give Barbara advice on execution as her formula has worked well for her over the years, but I am curious to know if she has a ghost writer now.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read horrible reviews and I said no...can't be so. But yes I too had to abort and put it aside @ about page 38. My only comment- When you have a decent book and the sequel is okay- don't attempt a third book unless you know it is a hit. Did someone else write this? Not worth even a beach read...pass this one up.

[Yukino · Rating 3 out of 5]

SERIE CAVENDON HALL n. 3

Sono davvero arrabbiata. Si perchè questo libro è iniziato sotto ogni migliore auspicio. E ho pensato "finalmente dopo due libri in forse è arrivato quello giusto". Invece le mie aspettative sono state deluse. Purtroppo.
Come ormai è noto, questi libri parlano della famiglia Ingham e dei suoi servitori Swan. Siamo partiti dal 1911 del primo libro dove abbiamo conosciuto i personaggi e stiamo leggendo la loro storia, dei figli, dei nipoti etc..
Il libro temporalmente si svolge tra il 1938 e il 1945. Seconda guerra mondiale. Inizia con il botto. Con Ginevra (la rom veggente) che mentre è con Cecily ha una visione. E lì subito inizio a star male.
Iniziano intrighi, e prime avvisaglie della guerra. Libro molto patriottico e molto bello. Davvero. Lei è molto brava a destreggiarsi tra tutti i personaggi, e riesce perfettamente a creare gli incastri e a stupire. Qui si parla molto del terzo Reich e finalmente abbiamo la certezza che Diedre lavora in un' agenzia affilita all' MI6 e ci tiene sempre sul "chivalà". Molto bello tutto il racconto della fuga della famiglia della collaboratrice di Cecily da Berlino. Bella Berlino. Essendoci stata sono riuscita ad immaginarmela perfettamente. Bello anche il siparetto di Los Angeles di James e Dulcie con Clarke Gable alle prese con la decisione di fare o no "Via col vento". :)
tutta la parte della guerra molto bella. e come dicevo prima molto patriottica.
E purtroppo ho dovuto dire addio ad alcuni personaggi. Sono davvero molto dispiaciuta.

A questo punto vi stare chidendo come mai ho dato solo tre stelle e continuo a dire che mi ha deluso? Il perchè è che purtroppo per buona parte del libro è stato tutto molto piatto. Pochi sentimenti. Essendo classificato come romanzo rosa, mi aspettavo di provare più sensazoni. Invece è tutto descritto come se fosse la lista della spesa. E questo mi ha davvero fatto arrabbiare. Sarà anche che ho letto prima la Clare e quindi abituata ad essere travolta dal libro e dai sentimenti, questo mi è scivolato addosso, anche se mi ha incuriosito e la storia era interessante.

Quello che mi ha dato più sui nervi è stato quando un figlio di Daphne va in guerra e perde una gamba. Alla notizia lei ovviamente è disperata. La disperazione viene descritta in una riga. La riga dopo dice..si ma lui è forte e lo supererà. E la questione è chiusa. Ma vi pare? e anche lui non fa una piega. Non viene descritto nulla del suo dolore, ma solo che gli hanno già dato una gamba artificiale e appena si è abituato è tornato a casa. Durante questa attesa il pensiero dei familiari è stato "ha bisogno di uno psicologo o qualcuno che ha vissuto il suo stesso dramma per poterlo aiutare" e ovviamente lo trovano nel giro di due secondi (un amico di un vicino ha vissuto la stessa cosa e così lo ospitano poi a casa loro). Questione chiusa.
Ho detto questo per farvi capire che cosa mi ha dato fastidio. Io non dico che bisogna fare sempre i drammi..ma che cavolo! un minimo di sentimento! o forse è perchè sono inglesi e sono così?
Poi vedo che i libri piacciono, quindi magari sono io. E' vero che la storia e gli intrighi prendono, ma io avrei preferito un pò più di coinvolgimento emotivo.
Leggerò il prossimo perchè sono curiosa, ma io non li consiglio. Se però volete uno spegni cervello ma con una trama interessante e siete in spiaggia in relax e non avete tempo di concentrarvi troppo sulla lettura, bè avete trovto i libri per voi.

[Out of the Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually, the Cavendon Hall series is one of my favorite forms of escapism. It's Downton Abbey meets paperback. In the previous books, I've loved its magical, otherworldly feel with characters I could cry over after having just met them a paragraph prior.

Now that the series has gone into the mid-1940's, I wonder if it's just too "modern" for me. Is it entering into too much of our own familiar world for me to feel it offers a true escape? Maybe. But if I'm frank, there were some other problems with this particular iteration.

It's the just before the middle of the century and there's a war on. An infamous war that we all know well. It's this war that draws the story away from the magic of Cavendon and into battle, be it in the trenches or at the war office. We hardly spend any time at Cavendon at all, and when we (the reader) are there it has an entirely different feeling. Like a house with no furniture.

Where in previous works of this series we spend time getting to know and caring for 3-5 new characters, in this book there were so many I could hardly keep my head straight, never mind caring for them.

Similarly, the plot itself is quite jumbled with one too many moving parts. Some aspects even felt forced, like a history lesson with a bit of story thrown in. This was only a slight irritation until scenes like Clark Gable showing up to discuss his part in Gone with the Wind began to cloud the work.

Look, I love Clark Gable like any other old movie fanatic, but I'm not reading this series for him. I'm reading it for Cavendon.

So, I couldn't help but feel a bit let down by this particular book in the series. I'm not sure if I will read the next book or not. Perhaps, as all series do, it has run its course. Only time will tell, but for now I'll skip ahead to other deserving books on my TBR stack.

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I think this may not be a trilogy but an actual series. I've blown through the first three and I'll say now that I want to read what comes next so if there's to be another... when will it be available?! Also, I think it's possible that future books could do with family trees as there are so very many characters to keep track of and the characters often have dialogue to remind the reader about relationships, which feels unnatural.

I very much enjoyed how not just the Cavendon women but even the women of the villages and collectively as the WI and Land Army girls were well represented. It was nice to know that not just Inghams and Swanns "stand up to be counted" and in difficult times "got on with it". With WWII taking place, all the ladies seemed to be at their best. I was most intrigued with Deidre's contributions and was most satisfied with her story overall. I still pine for an Ingham woman to officially go over to the Swann side. I'm so upset my favorite character was mostly absent in this book (until the 95% mark) & then when finally present was summarily and without much preamble, dispatched. But points to the author for breaking that Happily Ever After thing that the first two books had in spades. I'm upset but I respect that turn of events.

I liked the inclusion of Clark Gable quite a lot. Also, as I'd never read Barbara Taylor Bradford's Harte books, I wasn't familiar with Emma but her inclusion here makes me want to read those. Another recommendation. Reader, take it along on vacay this summer.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cavendon Luck is the third book in the Cavendon Hall series. I read them in order and am torn as to whether they have to be read in order. I liked knowing the history of the family and their friends but I feel like I could have picked up any of the books, in any order, and enjoyed them.

The third book is my favorite. The era of WWII and how the world is living during the war is portrayed wonderfully. The world was not an easy place to live in and everyone, even the royalty, had to adjust their lifestyles. I really enjoyed seeing how the Ingham and Swann families prepared for the war and how they helped keep their possessions safe. The way they came together from all over the world to keep each other safe, support each other, and just be together was heartwarming.

I was especially proud and invested in the women in this book. They came together, worked hard, and made the best of a horrid happening. They were the heroes of the Cavendon Hall. They made food and clothes. They gave support to the men, both those fighting and those not fighting. When the book was done I continued to think about the Dee’s, Charlotte, and Cecily. It is amazing that in a time when men were in charge these women stepped up did what had to be done and still stayed feminine.


I recommend checking out this series. The books have a lot of pages in them but are worth reading every word. Barbara Taylor Bradford has a way with words that just pull you right into the story.

[Simone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weakest in the series BY FAR!

I was never so eager to finish a book! Sadly in this case, it’s not because it was good but rather because it was awful.

I have said in the past that I consider Barbara Taylor Bradford’s books to be mostly “fluff” and that’s not a bad thing! Fluff most definitely has its place when you are in the right mood. But fluff or not, the most important thing is that: IT MUST BE INTERESTING!! This book was NOT.

Imagine bits of fruit cocktail suspended in Jell-O. That’s how I saw the story: little grains of potential frozen in place, mired in muck. Why did I keep listening until the end? Stubbornness I suppose.

Furthermore, the narrator’s tone in Book 3 got on my last nerve. Was she like this in the first 2 instalment? How could I have not noticed? It was like a granny reading a bedtime story to her little darlings… too sweet, always a little chuckle, borderline patronizing!

UGH. Thank God that’s over.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin's Press for a free copy.
The Cavendon Luck is the third novel in The Cavendon Chronicles series, covering the time period from 1938 to 1945.
I loved that there are so many strong, female characters, even if they all seem to be rich, beautiful, and of fine character.
There are many interesting storylines, perhaps too many to go in depth for each. I enjoyed the first section of the book the most, especially the storyline about getting the Jewish family out of Germany. It did seem to disappear though and doesn't get mentioned again until closer to the end of the novel.
It is rich with historical detail about Europe and Hollywood, which I found fascinating.
It does work as a stand alone novel, but I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the prior two first.
All and all, it is well written and I found it quite easy reading despite its length.

[Kati Berman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got Cavendon Luck from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book, because I loved Barbara Taylor Bradford's Harte saga books. I haven't read the other Cavendon books, but since the reviews mentioned that Cavendon Luck stands on its own, I gave it a try. However, whether it was because I haven't read the previous books, or something else, I could not follow the multitude of characters and relationships. I got as far as 38% in the book, and realized that I was just not following and enjoying it. The novel starts just before World War II starts and covers the war years. The historical research is inaccurate, the author talks about the death camps in 1938. Although there were concentration camps in 1938, death camps and the "final solution " , the gas chambers, did not start until 1942.
Overall I don't recommend this book.
Thanks NetGalley, St. Martin press for the advanced copy.

[Susan Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very disappointing follow-on to the previous 2 books. I felt it lacked depth and found my mind wandering in parts and skimming others. The only really interesting thing that happened was Great Aunt Gwen finding her long lost daughter Margaret and much more could have been made of this. I got a bit lost with all of the children who came of age as did not feel that they were adequately introduced and so wasn’t particularly interested in them. I understand that there’s a fourth book. I can only hope that it reverts to the standard of the first 2 books.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read so many books about WWII which are more detailed. This is somewhat disappointing.

[Sue]

Having read the two previous books had high hopes for this novel but as others have stated it was disappointing. Didn’t feel the story line had real depth and didn’t really have a strong story.

[Dana De Blick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐

[Kris Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third novel in the series. Good read

[Rosemary Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cavendon Luck by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Taylor Bradford is to be congratulated on her thorough research while writing The Cavendon Luck, which spans the era from 1938 to Victory in Europe. However, at times, the exposition made it seem as though I was reading a history book instead of a novel.
From beginning to end, Bradford Taylor is in command of her characters, the aristocratic Inghams and the Swanns, who have served them for nearly 200 hundred years. Loyalty binds the Swanns to the Inghams, ‘who trust them implicitly and vice versa’. The families live in a period of world-wide conflict but every member of each one is gracious, and this is a problem. All of them are too nice, which is unrealistic because there are ups and downs in every family.
Whether scenes are set in England, the U.S.A, Germany or elsewhere Taylor Bradford captures the tension, particularly that of a Jewish family in Berlin. I must admit I would have liked to know more about the resolution of their situation. This was offset by Clark Gable’s walk on part in the novel.
I enjoyed The Cavendon Luck but it did not have the page-turning quality I have come to expect from Taylor Bradford.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is the 3rd novel in the Triology, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a stand-alone novel. Have been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford's novels for years, so being able to receive a giveaway & writing a review, is a privilege. The first half was set in 1938, set in Britain but gives a personal view of the drama going on in Europe, especially Berlin. Makes you feel like you are living thru those horrendous times like Kristallnacht, the arrests & murders of Jews. Cavendon is a family estate, the saga of two families, the Inghams & the Swanns. Part 2 covers 1939-1945 & gives you a personal trip not just of this family, but of going thru the horrors of WW II..... The Women's Institute was an organized group that began putting up jams, fruit, vegetables, etc prior to the actual declaration of war. This is a very strong novel telling of the strengths, resourcefulness & intelligence of women. Especially if you're a woman, read this book & come away proud of your sex, & with a better understanding of WW II. Thank you.

[Mama K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. I'd requested this title because I'm a long-time Bradford fan and I'd read the first in this series (though not yet the second) when I'd made the request. I loved the first book in the series, but the second thrilled me a little less. This final one even less. Though all 3 in the series are good period pieces, and may fulfill a void for Downton Abbey fans, I found the second and third installments lapsed more into soap operish glitz and glamour. The third book, frankly, seemed to be trying to juggle too many different story lines and not executing any one of those story lines well. But it is Bradford and it was good brain chewing gum that didn't tax the brain too much here at the end of a hectic school year.

[Joann M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the 3rd book in a trilogy series but could easily be a stand alone.
1938 in England the Cavendon is the family estate where 2 families live The Ingram's and The Swan's World war 2 era and how these families serve the country and how they survived. This book had it all Hollywood stars going off to fight, love, family, death, death, and more death. The women of Cavendon made jams and canning fruits and veggies to help feed the people I believe they called it Women and War of 1939 to 1945. The ending left me with the thought that there could be another book.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I WON A COPY IN GOODREADS GIVEAWAY* - 3.5 stars

In the third instalment of this series, I was yet again, transported to the past, this time, 1938, to the world of the Inghams and the Swanns. While there is a multitude of characters and storylines, I enjoyed watching Cecily and Miles face their biggest trials and tribulations so far in the series. With lots of period elegance, romance, sorrow, and intrigue, the novel flowed well for me - even though at times there is a little too much description. Having loved the first two books in the series, I must admit that this novel is the weakest of the three, but in my opinion, is still an enjoyable read.

[F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy from the Goodreads-first reads books for an honest review. I was excited to read this book since it did say it was a standalone novel. However, after a few chapters, it was difficult to keep all the characters in mind as they all seemed to have other underlying stories that I had not read. This made it difficult to get involved as it seemed like there was always a missing piece to tie it together. I think it would have been better to have read the previous book to get acquainted with their individual stories.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I decided to read the other 2 in the series first. All three books were great. I enjoyed the first two more, but it was still a great story. However, I am not sure this book would have been as enjoyable or if it would've been easy to follow if I had not read the first two. It is a great series!

[Ashwise · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was nauseating and it felt like everyone was perfect and the plot was glossed through.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally, I would be thrilled at this type of novel.....this one was not for me...........perhaps if I had started at the beginning of the series....disappointing.

[Teri Pre · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like family sagas, this is a good one!

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the others in the series... tends to ramble on in places