The Wonder of It All

House of Falconer #3

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

James Falconer returns in the third House of Falconer historical novel from multi-million copy bestseller Barbara Taylor Bradford.

The Somme, 1916. James Falconer, once a barrow boy on a London market, stands in the trenches, awaiting the command to go over the top. Away from his business empire in London, he is simply a soldier, war the great leveller.

But, unlike his men, and unknown to them, deep down, Falconer doesn’t care if he lives or dies.

When a face from the past offers James the chance to repair his fractured relationship with his estranged daughter, Leonie, he must decide if he can hold different things dear – and make space in his life for love.

But the war has left terrible scars, both personal and professional, and swept huge changes through the glittering world he once inhabited. James must weather myriad storms as he attempts to right past wrongs and build a new life.

'Bradford’s tale is enriched by dynamic characters, especially James, who heroically persists in his effort to rebuild his life. It’s a satisfying culmination to a richly drawn historical series' Publishers Weekly

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Historical

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

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

[Maureen Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in a series. I love historical fiction and enjoyed the story line. However, the author repeats information about characters and their thoughts over and over. The frequency and speed at which the main character falls in love and commits to women is laughable. Some events are never followed up on so you don't know the full story. Overall, enjoyable, but also a bit annoying.

[Wendy Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Barbara Taylor Bradford. But this one left me lacking. There were a few things that weren't tied up at the end. I was very disappointed.

[Terry Hoover]

Feel free to delete this. In reading this I ran into a number of mistakes. The first is on page 7, in describing the battle of the Somme the author says that there were tanks there, tanks didn't make an appearance until late 1917. The next problem is on pages 82-84. James and Georgiana start a trip in a car and when they finish they tell the driver to be sure to take care of the horses. The next problem is on page 96 when James says that machine guns were new. Machine guns had been around for 60 years, the first use of them was by general Ben Butler in southeastern Virginia during the Civil War. The last problem is that everyone burned wood for heat, wood was phased out 70 years earlier in favor of coal.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a temporary digital copy of The Wonder of It All by Barbara Taylor Bradford from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the third installment of the House of Falconer series, James Falconer returns from WWI wounded. In his road to recovery, he wants to focus on growing his relationship with his daughter and improving his business. Can he find a way to heal all wounds?

Unfortunately, I found the The Wonder of it All to be very two-dimensional. Throughout the entire novel, Bradford would write sentences as such: "Because James Falconer was an imposing and powerful man, many people were in awe of him. Yet his affability and easy-going manner drew others into his orbit. Once they really knew him, they became his friends for life, and cared about him and his well-being. He was known for being even tempered, rarely displaying anger or raising his voice." This style created a false narrative for me. I was constantly being fed these perspectives, instead of seeing the character actually live up to these high-standards. For example, women would ask him questions they had genuine questions or concerns to, and Falconer would get annoyed or upset she had this concern. The woman would feel "stupid for bringing it up." I cannot even count how many times the author wrote that the women "felt stupid" in Falconer's presence. His reactions don't make it seem as if he has an easy-manner or even tempered. In addition, a problem or conflict would occur and was completely resolved within five pages. It was almost infuriating to read.

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final "A House of Falconer" Novels.

The story begins at The Battle of the Somme between June-July 1916. James, in his early forties now, has joined the Army in defense of his homeland. He is seriously wounded in battle that would leave his legs badly scarred for life. He is sent to Kent for treatment.

After the war James returns to running the Malvern Company. But business is not booming throughout England. Unemployment is high and money is scarce. Londoners are not shopping regularly.

James's personal life has also taken a toll. He has been estranged from his daughter, Leonie, for many years. He regrets, though, his estrangement from Leonie.

Ms. Bradford has written another romantic and suspenseful novel about The House of Falconer.

[Julie Auger · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review is on the whole series of 3 books in the House of Falconer series. Timing was great as these were easy reads to pick up/put down through the holidays and I love epic family sagas.
I will admit though, that these are simple. LOTS of repetition especially in descriptions of main characters. I lost count of how many times I had to read about the blueness of James Falconers eyes, his exceptional good looks and dress, and his deep abiding love for the latest female whom he had literally just met that day! There are characters introduced (Albert, most notably) who are never addressed further yet seemed to have been put in the story for good reason. I could go on and on but honestly, it kept me interested but, unlike the author’s most famous book “A woman of substance” this whole series lacked substance for me. Three stars for being enough to keep me engaged.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Wonder of It All, by Barbara Taylor Bradford, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book number three in The House of Falconer series. I have not read the first two books in the series. War changes people, and that certainly happened to James Falconer. Not the same since the war, and the loss of his wife. Georgiana Ward used to love James, but does not anymore, James want to build a relationship with his daughter, but that is not what she wants. I thought this book was ok, the characters were ok.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Falconer series, the Wonder of it All, finds James Falconer home from WWI. He is a war casualty and is recovering from serious physical wounds . Additionally, his wife has died, causing him great emotional pain on top of his poor physical condition
Georgiana Ward steps up to the job of tending his needs while healing and the possibility of rekindled romance lingers.
James’ now almost grown up daughter , Leonie , wants nothing to due with the father who abandoned her in childhood. James is a wealthy man and would like Leonie to be his heir. Leonie is steadfast in her refusal of reconciliation.
Ms Bradford is an author whose stories I always look forward to reading. Her characters, particularly her female characters, are noteworthy and well depicted. Not so with this book. It was an audio version and somehow lacked the depth of character and plot I expected. Mostly, this is a romantic
tale complete with moderately detailed love scenes. While I did listen until the end, I didn’t feel very connected to the outcome of what I consider an average book.
Three generous stars for this one. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on December 5 and those who have read the first two parts of the trilogy will be anxious to read the final installment.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as well as the two previous ones in this series. Sadly, she is 90 so I don't know if there will be another book but I certainly hope so.

[David Lippiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. There was quite a bit of repetition in regard to character feelings/self talk, but overall I really enjoyed it.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book in this series that I have read and it was interesting to learn about James Falconer and his life after WWI. I thought the author gave us a good depiction of what the world was like after the war and I thought the author did a good job of making us care about James and his relationships with those around him. I liked how we saw his relationship with his daughter grow through the story and I also liked seeing how he found love again.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Melissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this through Good Reads First Reads
I absolutely loved the characters and their relationships and interactions - all of which were well-developed. Now I have to find the first two in the series!
I did not want to see this end,

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 - I am really sorry to have this series end. I have enjoyed getting to know all the characters and really the Falconer family.

I’m kind of hoping there’s a spin off at some point about Leonie and her position at the top of Malvern’s.

[Ellen Goldberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

How many times in one book can the main character be described? The repetiveness of descriptions of all the characters became nothing short of annoying. I’m surprised as I have every book that Ms. Bradford has written.

[chris barberet · Rating 2 out of 5]

too repetitive

Started out ok but became too predictable. I did not like the constant repetition about how striking etc. James was. Just really dragged on.

[Joni Benjamin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book read like a bad soap opera script. Story lines started and never resolved. Characters with no personality.

[Margaret Shockley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I use to love her books, but I think I have outgrown them.

[Sally Lehr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where was the editor? Grammar errors involving case, too much repetition.

[Lonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the third book in a series of 3, but there was plenty of repetition and reciting of backstory that I caught on to the relationships quickly.

This novel is written in the style of romances in the 1970's, which was an enjoyable sort of step back. That said, although the author talked repeatedly about how wonderful the main character, James, was, and how upstanding and well thought of, I thought he was an awful person. in how he treated women he supposedly loved. Breaks up with a woman he's supposedly loved for decades because he can't get his own way, and when he finds out later she is seriously injured and may be in a nursing home the rest of her life, he doesn't express any sorrow or even go visit her! Has a flirtation and fling with a young woman, then breaks it off because he feels he is too old for her - I found him to be rather despicable.

It all ties up neatly in the end, but I felt like the whole story left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I've always been a big fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, but this book was meh at best.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the main character, a former soldier from ww1 recovering and getting back to his life. Some of the women in his life were annoying but the story was good.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the series.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Wonder of it All" is the third in “House of Falconer” series by Barbara Taylor Bradford. While other reviewers have said that this is last in the series, I can find no credible evidence one way or the other so I will just have to wait and see. The ending certainly leads one to believe that there will be another. I am not sure that this would be a stand alone story. I think the reader would be missing too much of the story to pick it up at this point.

James Falconer has recently returned wounded from the war physically and emotionally. This sets the story line for a journey of healing and self discovery. Upon James’ return he feels that he must put the rebuilding of his business first. Due to the economic challenges of the time he devotes all his energy to his business for his family, his workers and his community.

While I am a huge Barbara Taylor Bradford fan, this book left me flat. At times it was too descriptive and I skimmed over those parts. On the other hand there is so much repetition of information of and about the characters that it became annoying. The other thing that bothered me was that some things were never followed up on so you are left hanging. While the ending was neatly packaged and some what satisfying it was ‘meh’.

I would like to thank the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wonder of it All by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the 3rd and final book in her House of Falconer series. The story continues with James Falconer, a self-made business tycoon, who runs Malvern; with the help of his brother and sister. James still grieves the loss of his wife, Alexis, and pushes himself to participate in the WW1 war, Major James Falconer goes to fight for his country, until he is hurt badly with multiple injuries and sent home to a hospital in England; once he is released, he still needs care, and Georgiana Ward returns after many years, to help nurse him back to health.

James has a daughter, Leonie, by Georgiana in the early years, and made sure they lived well. He would see her occasionally, but slowly when his daughter became a teen ager, he was buried with his business and she hardly saw him, eventually cutting her father out of her life. In the present, James wants to get to know his daughter, but Georgiana tells him that Leoni wants nothing to do with him. Once he is well, both Georgianna and James also terminate their relationship. James did keep an eye on Leonie’s marriage, as he did not like the man she married.

With the war taking its toll on his business, James concentrates on rebuilding his empire, and eliminating some of the smaller stories, with help from Eddie, Rossi, and other partners. James will be introduced to Annabel, an art connoisseur, and slowly they both become very attracted to each other. James has feelings for Annabel, but the age gap difference (he is 13 years older than her), pushes him to break it off, and leaves London to work hard in rebuilding his business ventures.

What follows is both and exciting and sweet final ¼ of the book, with James finally being able to meet his daughter, after her husband abused her, and Leonie realizing that her father was a wonderful man, and would always be there for her. James also realizes that Annabel, even with the age gap, was the woman he loved. I loved Rossi and Eddie, who were always there for James, and together they brought the business back to the top.

The Wonder of it All was very well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. This is the 3rd and final book in this series, and if you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book in the House of Falconer series.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wonder of It All AUDIO by Barbara Taylor Bradford was a totally enjoyable listen. Set in England after World War I, the main character was James Falconer, a man who was born to humble circumstances but had risen to be the mogul he was currently. He had served in the war and nearly lost both his legs, but fought through it and was almost back to himself. He had lost his beloved wife in childbirth, after several miscarriages, years before, and was casually seeing an earlier love, one who had borne him a child. He wanted them to marry; she did not. So, he broke it off with her. It was the Depression era and although he owned many enterprises, his retail and his wine importing/exporting were not doing well, so he worked continually to see them through the crisis. It was a very formal book, but intriguing, none the less.

James was a man of honor and a well-written character. The listener/reader saw him from many angles and the final opinion was always the same. For most of the book he was in his late forties and had was taking his age too seriously. His friends and sisters wouldn’t allow it and so kept him in the loop of the changing world. His adult daughter, his only child, had no use for him as he had stopped seeing her when she was thirteen and he had gone into a deep depression after the death of his wife. She didn’t understand or it had never been explained to her so she held a grudge. She was another interesting character, with a myriad of issues. This was a time of deep change in the world and this story reflected that. There was not really a plot, rather it was a slice of life story, stretching over several years, with memories intruding, sometimes at less-than-convenient times. I enjoyed both the listen and the read.

It was narrated by Joan Walker who did a superb job, making one feel as if she were there. Her mild accent was perfect and she ably kept the multiple characters in check without resorting to cheap theatrics. It was a good read, but it was a better listen.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC and listen to an audio ARC of The Wonder of It All by St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio, both through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #BarbaraTaylorBradford #TheWonderOfItAll

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Falconer series opens with James Falconer serving in WWI. After being severely wounded he is sent back to England to recuperate. Handsome and one of the richest men in England, he still mourns the death of his wife years earlier. They had no children, but James has a daughter from his occasional lover Georgiana. After his wife’s death he shut himself off from everyone and abandoned his daughter.. He never stopped supporting her and her mother, but she wants nothing to do with him. Now he needs to find a way back into her life.

At forty-eight James feels he is too old to start a new relationship. Then he meets Annabel. Despite their mutual attraction, there is an age difference that James feels is a major obstacle. With the war winding down and a faltering economy, James throws himself into strengthening his company. He is used to things going his way, but his sister Rossi and his friends conspire to bring him together with Annabel. When his daughter finally turns to James for help, she finally learns the truth about her father. With his life coming together it may be time to admit to his feelings for Annabel.

James is a strong character, as evidenced by his determination to walk again after being seriously wounded. He was not born into wealth, but became an astute businessman. While he is incredibly stubborn, he is willing to listen to associates’ advice. He captures the attention of the room when he enters and shows concern for everyone who is involved in his business, from his other executives to the small shopkeepers. He has met his match in Annabel, who runs a business of her own and is recognized for her knowledge of art. Barbara Taylor Bradford has brought the Falconer series to a very satisfying conclusion that should please her fans. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

[Janet Honnoraty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major James Falconer, a well-liked leader of his platoon, is badly injured during the Battle of the Somme and is sent back to hospital in England. Whilst his legs and other wounds begin to heal he is visited by Mrs Georgina Ward, a woman who is 8 years older than him and who, in his youth, “taught him” to become a good lover. He has a daughter, Leonie, by her whom he saw during her early years, and has constantly ensured that both mother and daughter are able to Iive well. However, by the time his daughter enters her teens he has been busy with managing his business interests and then service in WWI and for some unknown reason she has cut him from her life.

When fully recovered he resumes his relationship with Georgiana, who continues to tell him that Leonie wants nothing to do with him. Having proposed to Georgiana, he is horrified that she refuses to wear his engagement ring, saying that if she does she will lose Leonie. He instantly terminates their relationship and walks away. He has become a very wealthy businessman, but realises that the war has taken a toll on some of his ventures, so whilst lonely he decides to concentrate on work and rebuild his empire.

As time goes by he still desperately wants a reconciliation with Leonie as he naturally wants her to take over his business when the time comes. Will fate take a hand and re-unite him with his daughter and perhaps also enable him to find love and happiness before it is too late ?

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Wonder of it All" unfolds as the latest installment in the House of Falconer saga. James Falconer, recently returned wounded from the war, finds himself facing not only physical wounds but also emotional ones. His ex-partner, and mother of his estranged daughter, offers him a place to recover, setting the stage for a complex journey of healing and self-discovery.

As James embarks on this path, he grapples with his desire to rebuild his relationship with his daughter and the uncertainty surrounding rekindling his romance with Georgia Ward. Meanwhile, his businesses are grappling with post-war economic challenges, forcing him to devote his energy to preserving them for the sake of his workers and the community.

During a holiday gathering at a friend's house, James encounters a captivating young woman who sparks his interest. However, the age gap between them and the specter of his daughter's youth make him question the feasibility of pursuing this newfound attraction.

As the story unfolds, readers are left wondering whether James will successfully reconnect with his daughter and whether he will find a new love. Barbara Taylor Bradford, as always, delivers a satisfying conclusion to this historical saga. Special thanks to #StMartinsPress and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Dizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wonder of It All is the third book of The House of Falconer series by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I regret that I had not read the other two books but nonetheless was able to follow the story of James Falconer. I found the audio book very well done including the storytelling, narration by Jean Walker, and musical compliments. It felt as if I was listening to a Masterpiece Theater movie with the language and cultural interactions between characters befitting of its time (WWI).
This is a story about rebuilding and redemption. James Falconer returns home from The Great War a changed man. He had gone off to war a self-made, likeable, respected, even tempered man, however with the loss of his wife and wounds from war, he is now suffering both physically and mentally. He is nursed back to health by Georgiana, a nurse, whom he knows from his "old life". As he heals, he seeks to right the wrongs and reconnect with his now grown daughter. The reader is taken on that journey by the lovely writing of Barbara Taylor Bradford.
The Wonder of It All is reminiscent of John Jakes and his "Love and War" series. I enjoyed it and plan to go back and read the first two books in the series. Thank you to Saint Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the audio book. It was a pleasure.

[Kathy Mitson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the House of Falconer trilogy. I can state that I had not read the first two books, and did not feel like I missed out on any knowledge that was important to reading the third installment. James Falconer is a self-made, important, successful London businessman. The book talks about his work ethic and his confident manner and his approach to business and his decision making process. But mainly the book focuses on his private life. The loss of his beloved wife, his daughter from an affair at a young age. His relationships with family and close friends, and how their guidance helped him with making decisions when he is flummoxed with how to proceed. The book is set during and the time right after WW1. The setting is long removed from 2023, and that comes across in the character attributes and also the story-telling. I must admit that in the beginning of reading the book I had a bit of a difficult time with the was the story was unfolding, since it was so, so dated. But once I came to terms with this, I was able to get a lot of enjoyment out of the tale.