The Prodigal Wife

Chadwick Family #4

by Marcia Willett

In Marcia Willett’s latest novel, Jolyon, who had been abandoned by his mother, Maria, is living at the Keep with his father and his stepmother Fliss. Now that Jolyon is a successful television presenter of gardening programs, the recently widowed Maria, lonely and impressed by her son’s fame, reappears and hopes to step back into his life. But Jolyon finds it difficult to trust his mother and forgive the hurt she had inflicted on him.

Genres: Fiction, Family, British Literature, Womens Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Carolyn Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read the first three volumes of the Aga saga about the Chadwick family, I was interested in catching up with the characters and discover what was changing in their rarefied world of a castle-like home on the Devon coast. The short answer is not a whole lot, but then Willett mostly deals with the intricacies of relationships and the minor earthquakes and upheavals of domestic life. There is potential for upheaval here with 'the prodigal wife' returning, but the foreshadowing of doom of the first few chapters never plays out.

I think in this instance it really pays to have read the first three volumes. They were not published in the U.S. (not sure about Canada), and I obtained my used paperbacks published in the U.K. on the internet. This book was published for the U.S. market, and since its audience was most likely unaware of the first three volumes in the series, the author had to spend a lot of space bringing the reader up to speed. I think the sheer number of characters and keeping their relationships straight would be confusing for someone not versed in the earlier books. As it is, there is a lot of repetition, with excerpts from the preceding works to fill in the gaps. For someone who has already read the series, this is just boring. Characters repeat themselves endlessly, saying the same thing in different conversations, or even in mental monologues. Enough already! We get it!

The introduction of the characters Cordelia and her daughter Henrietta were really the most interesting parts of the book. However, I was quickly annoyed with Henrietta's romance with a member of the Chadwick family. Not that I don't like romance - but it progressed so rapidly as to be totally unbelievable. The couple had known each other maybe six weeks, and not seeing each other that often, either, and yet decide to marry? Maybe for an earlier generation that would have worked as a romantic story, but for the young generation of today it seemed really out of sync. Live together, sure, but marry when they had hardly spent any time together? It just felt majorly contrived to serve the plot purposes. I guess it does happen even today, but not with any people I know of that generation, who are certainly more reticent about marrying. Add to that the characters' difficult childhoods involving divorced parents, which is brought up as a possible deterrent, and their action seems even less credible. I liked the characters and was happy for them, but would have appreciated some development of the story of their romance instead of it delivered as a fait accompli.

As for the 'prodigal wife,' the character was a very unlikable villain in the earlier books. She's still shallow and self-centered and unaware how she destroyed others' happiness in pursuit of her own. But she is beginning to show signs of some self-knowledge. I was most disappointed that Hal Chadwick, now married to the love of his life, Fliss, would welcome his ex-wife back into the family with no consideration of Fliss's feelings, or those of his son who was abandoned by his mother. Author Willett constantly tells us how generous Hal is, and for being such a strong alpha male, he seems totally clueless with a very short memory.

So, I wasn't so happy with re-visiting the Chadwicks. Better if I'd left them from the ten years previous. I do like Willett's descriptions of the countryside and sea shore, and her sensitivity to the inner struggles against weakness, resentment, and selfishness. She is best when dealing with a character's dilemma regarding personal choices and relationships. If you've read and loved the other Chadwick chronicles, you will probably enjoy the time spent with them again, if you don't mind the repetition. Otherwise, I don't recommend it. Two and a half stars.

As an afterthought, I realize what a debt Marcia Willett owes to Elizabeth Goudge who wrote the series about the Eliot family in the 1940's - 50's. Marcia Willett is good, but Elizabeth Goudge is so much better. If you like Marcia Willett's books, find Goudge's Eliot family chronicle beginning with The Bird in the Tree. Certainly not as contemporary, but well worth the pleasure of reading.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original rating: 4 stars
2024 reread: 5 stars

When I first read this, I remember being disappointed that Maria was a big part of the story since I found her so irritating in the last few installments. But I’m now older and (hopefully) wiser, and I found I had more empathy for her this time around. Plus the novel ends on Christmas so it was great timing for a reread.

[Karen Paap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kõige vähem haarava, kuid siiski mõnus lugemine.

[Kathryn Bashaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a later add-on to the Chadwick family chronicles that I read over the winter, and carries the same gentle warmth as the previous books. A light, easy read, with redemption of some sort in the end for even the most difficult characters. The tense relationship between Henrietta and her mother Cordelia felt very real to me.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have enjoyed this book more than the others before it. The story was rich with interest points and plot thickening dilemmas, but I still have a few criticisms. I’ll start with the praise.

As sceptical as I was, the character arc of Maria actually flowed really well, even with the emotional response her actions drew from me. In the beginning I despised her, even more so than I had in the previous books. She was desperate not to be alone, and her conclusion that living with the Chadwick’s was the answer made me cringe with frustration [in a good way :) ]. However, as she was confronted by Jolyon and advised by Cordelia, she began to understand, and even grow as a character. Her intentions became clearly sincere and I even began to have hope for her.

On a less positive note, the very first chapter of the book left me very confused, as it introduced new characters without any context and I found it hard to understand.

Another thing that aggravated me was that I didn’t believe Hal would be so naive as to welcome Maria back into their lives. It seemed wrong that he didn’t recall how poorly Jolyon was treated and was unaware of how traumatic Maria’s mistreatment of him was.

Also, I only recall one mention of the death of Caroline, coming about in the middle of the book, and it didn’t really explain anything either. She was such an essential character over almost the whole series. To simply disappear and have less than a paragraphs explanation of her passing? Very strange.

Lastly, and this is probably the most obvious point, Henrietta and Jolyon. Two characters whose tragic backstories were directly pointed out to cause them a fear of comittment. And yet in a very short period of time they decided to marry, without so much as a second thought.

Other than these few points that didn’t really make sense to me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Sorry, there were many other positive points I didn’t mention, simply because it’s more fun criticising 🤭

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Willet style in lots of descriptive scenery and many characters who are so intricately involved in how they know each other it's quite tricky to keep it straight or even totally "get it" in the first place. I find that it didn't even matter really at the end of day how a few of them actually knew each other.

A lot of people who don't marry the loves of their lives until after they are widowed and many years have passed. Seems a bit of a stretch that there could be two in the one family, a super quick marriage proposal and a mystery that gets solved very quickly and without much ado.

Thank goodness there were not as many silly names in this book apart from the dogs. And there are a lot of dogs.

Not a lot happens but there are many feelings thrown around and the authors typical writing style of the family and their friends and lots of walks on the hills and lots of pots of tea.

Its very very English.

I never score her books very high but due to the English narrator who seems to give the stories such authenticity I keep reading or rather listening to them.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

“How do you solve a problem like Maria?” Suddenly widowed Maria wants to reconcile with her son Jolyon (Jo) who took the worst of it when Maria separated from Jo’s father before marrying Adam. Jo doesn’t know if he has it in his heart to forgive her – it’s made him timid about relationships in general. When Jo meets Henrietta and they hit it off so well, he wants to hide it from his mother. He actually doesn’t want her in his life. Can they find a way to move forward?
Not having read the Chadwick trilogy (Looking Forward, Holding On, Winning Through) I felt a bit with this one that I was missing back story yet it can stand on it's own for the most part. A bit formulaic of her writing but some enjoyable characters who I find would be fun to know in person.

[Marjorie]

I didn't know there were three previous books that would have made it easier to keep all the stories and lives in sync. While I appreciated the descriptions of the scenery, I would have liked to learn more about The Keep itself. From the little descriptions there were, I imagined it to be huge, especially when it was noted that Joloyn found a way to make it self supporting when other similar structures either fell into ruin or became public properties. When reading a book, I always like to follow the geography, but found that difficult since I don't know England. Perhaps the cities and towns mentioned were real places -- or possibly made up. Having some idea of the geography would have made the book more enjoyable.

[Beth Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Unfortunately, I picked it up at the library, not realizing there were three previous books in the series. Although there are quite a few characters, they are such individuals that it's not hard to follow. (And there is a very handy family tree in front.) My only criticism is due to an excess of description of the topography and atmosphere around The Keep and lots of repetition of dogs jumping and running boisterously (so, four stars). I am sorry to be almost finished but look forward to many more by Ms. Willett.

[Celia Wakefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ginger Jar

Reading any of Marcia Willetts books is to immerse oneself in her luminous world of the country, the plants, flowers, birds etc who populate her stories and surround the humans with a reason for living. She reintroduces characters and while giving enough of their back stories, sets them around with new challenges as well as mixing in new who blend seamlessly into their world. Each book brings the threads created together to create a loving tapestry which is a joy to read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series! The characters are lovable and relatable, the plot drew me in like part of the family, the setting was gorgeous, the dialogue was natural, the whole series was just a great experience. I especially liked the theme of forgiveness. The characters neither dismissed the idea of forgiving someone who had hurt them so devastatingly, nor immediately forgave even though no human being could possibly forgive that easily. They discussed their anger and resentment and moved forward carefully. Quite realistic.

[Carol Eshaghy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading Marcia Willet books for years. This is the last book in the Chadwick family saga. I love her characters and her descriptions of the English countryside. Haven’t read a bad one yet!

[Kajoli Tankha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather enjoyed this Rosamunde Pilcher like story.
Have to make a few leaps of faith in the way so many happy endings come about. Still its sweet and old-fashioned and I rather enjoyed this calm sweet read in a stressful time

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of multiple generations of a family, all connected to a home and business, with all the hurts and triumphs, pain and joy through the years. Quite enjoyable with mostly likable characters.

[Clover White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up, not knowing it was the fourth in a series. I figured out pretty quickly that there was a lot of backstory, but it functioned fine as a stand-alone. Cozy details of upper-class family life, lots of relationship building.

[Patricanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it is not outstanding, more literary comfort food, just like the cosy fires and comfy slippers belonging to the characters. The descriptions of the country, the sea and the changing seasons are always a feature of Marcia Willetts books are worth reading though

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone fell in love, then did not marry their loves until years later, when marital situations changed. It took a while to keep everyone straight, but was an enjoyable read.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonder read by Marcia Willett

[Namina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Langweilig und hält nicht das, was der Klappentext verspricht.

[Meenehansgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series...so sorry that I have finished them.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I did the others. Didn’t know that it is a series. I will have to check them out.

[Kathy Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book covering the Chadwick family. Maria’s second husband has died, and she tries to worm her way back into Jolyn’s life. Fliss hates the idea.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Familieverhaal over vergeving en een gemberpot.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author! Her books are the most similar to my fave author, Maeve Binchy.

[Caro (carosbookcase) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After discovering that my local library had retired their copy of The Prodigal Wife, I decided to give the audiobook at try. Read by June Barrie, it’s a very enjoyable listen.
*
The Prodigal Wife is the fourth book in Marcia Willett’s Chadwick Family Chronicles. This series was originally intended to be a trilogy, ending with Winning Through. However, nine years after Winning Through came out, this fourth book was published.
*
In a nutshell, Maria's husband has died recently and for the first time in her life Maria is living alone and having to make decisions for herself. Years ago, she left her first husband Hal Chadwick and essentially abandoned her older son Jolyon in favour of her new life in Salisbury with her new husband and her younger son.
*
Left in the care of his father and stepmother, Jolyon has grown up at the Chawick family home in Devon, which is affectionately known as The Keep. Now that he's a successful television presenter of gardening shows, Maria tries to insert herself back into his life. Understandably, Jolyon is not ready to forgive and forget Maria's past mistakes. How can he trust the mother who so easily abandoned him when he needed her most?
*
There are a number of scenes that rehash events from the previous three books. I don’t have copies of the other books at my disposal, but I’m almost certain that they are word for word excerpts from scenes in the other books. The one difference is that the scenes from the past are written in the present tense, while the rest of the book is written in the past tense. I can see the intention behind this. It’s meant to show that the past is always with us and to give immediacy to the action taking place. And I’m sure that if I HAD read the previous book in the series with a decade long gap before starting this one (as one would have if they were reading these books as they were published) I might not even have noticed these occurrences.
*
This is a long-winded way of saying that I wish I had read a physical copy of this book so I could skim these sections and get onto what is happening in the present storyline.
*
Still, I have mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, for the reason I mentioned above. But also because I really don't like Maria. She's selfish and doesn't think before she acts and when things don't go her way she acts like a spoiled child. If I were the Chadwicks I would shut and bolt the front door of The Keep when Maria comes calling.
*
That said, I do think it says a lot about Marcia Willett's writing that I can feel so strongly about one of her characters. When I inevitably do re-read this series (because I loved the first three books), I'll be sure to pick up a physical copy of this one so I can skim past the flashback scenes and perhaps any of the scenes where Maria is being particularly annoying.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes! This book was so much better than the first one of Marcia Willett's I read earlier this year. I was hoping that first one could be blamed on "first novel syndrome" and that her writing would improve with each book and thankfully, this one was much better.

The difference is quite remarkable - no gaping holes in the story, no weird, unrealistic behaviour on the part of the characters, and none of the cliches that had me rolling my eyes all the way through "Those Who Serve". It was a nice surprise and a relief because she has a long list of titles I've been hoping to explore.

In "The Prodigal Wife" the main character is...a house, the family home of the Chadwicks which they call "The Keep". It's a house full of memories, a large estate in England where several generations of Chadwicks have always lived under the same roof. Large and beautiful, but more comfortable than grand, it is the setting for much of this story.

The current residents of "The Keep" include Prue, the Chadwick grandmother, her son Hal and his wife Fliss, Hal's son Jolyon, Sam, a 12 year old cousin who came to live with the family when his parents died, and Lizzie, who was Sam's nanny and stayed on to help Jolyon in his gardening business. It's not as complicated as it sounds because each character is unique and has a distinctive, well-detailed personal story.

Maria, who is Hal's ex-wife and Jolyon's mother, causes all sorts of complications when she comes back into their lives after ignoring them for years, and Jolyon meets and falls for Henrietta, the daughter of Cordelia, an old family acquaintance who thinks she is being stalked. There are plenty of story lines which gives it a nice depth.

There are so many things to enjoy in this book: the characters are realistic and interesting, the setting - both the house and the English countryside - is addicting, and the story is complicated, as real life tends to be. I'd grown so attached to these people and their house that I was sorry to arrive at the last chapter.

Willett's writing makes for much better reading now, but I still don't think I can agree with all the comparisons being made to Maeve Binchy or Rosamunde Pilcher. They are in a league of their own when it comes to story-telling. But...this is a good, well-told story and I'm looking forward to reading her other novels, all of which I hope will be as satisfyingly British and comfortingly human as "The Prodigal Wife".

[Carol MacInnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry ('Hal') Chadwick lives in a 160 year old home, 'The Keep' which has been passed on from generation to generation living together with many members of the family, as it was intended to. Hal's first wife, Maria, abandoned him many years earlier with their youngest and quite obviously her favorite son, Ed, leaving behind their oldest son, Jolyon ('Jo). When Hal married the love of his life and his first cousin Felicia ('Fliss'), she raised Jo as if he were her own and Jo reveled in his step-mother's love. Jo had always known for as long as he could remember, that his mother Maria, had always dotted over his younger brother and made no attempt to hide her feelings of dislike towards Jo and put him down at every chance she could.
At a chance meeting, Jo meets Henrietta March and falls in love with her and asks her to marry him. Although Henrietta has issues with abandonment of her own, since her father up and left when she was 5 years old, she hoped the love she feels for Jo will help her overcome this. When Hal receives news that Maria wishes to come to 'The Keep' for a night or two to help celebrate Jo's birthday, Hal hopes Fliss and Jo will be receptive to the idea. But Fliss is overwhelmed by Maria's boldness and is more than a little curious as to her motives after all this time to finally 'mend fences'. Jo is not happy about Maria's intrusiveness and is more than resentful of her coming back into his life after all the terrible memories and heartache she has caused him. He is also more than protective of Henrietta and does not want Maria's sharp tongue, in any way, to lash out at his future bride. But because of Hal's huge heart and his eagerness to let bygones be bygones, Fliss and Jo agree to have Maria come, but each with their own reservations.

A story of love, betrayal, anger, heartache and a chance at renewed happiness. Author, Marcia Willett knocks this one out of the park!!!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel which continues the Chadwick saga trilogy, written some years previously. 'The Prodigal Wife' takes place about ten years after the end of 'Winning Through'. It mainly features Jolyon, whom we last saw as a rather hurting and confused teenager. He's now a young man on the brink of falling in love. His mother, cause of so much pain in his life has been bereaved and is beginning to re-think her priorities.

Meanwhile some new characters are introduced too; and we catch up in the lives of old friends living in 'The Keep'. Although this is a standalone novel it's best read after the earlier books in the series since there would otherwise be rather an overwhelming number of people and situations.

Enjoyable to read, and satisfying to have various loose ends now neatly in place.

Recommended to anyone who has read the earlier books about the Chadwick family.

Four and a half stars, really.

Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Luanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because it was compared to Pilcher and Binchey. I would not make that comparison, though it was a fine book. The little nugget I gleaned was actually quite spiritual, though the book isn't. One character was talking about forgiveness and the scripture about forgiving 70 x 7. He wondered if it meant, not that we will be wronged by a person that many times and will need to forgive that many times, but that we may have an internal struggle to continue to feel forgiveness, again and again, for a person, as a result of one act requiring forgiveness, not many. That it's US that will be trying for give that many times, which no one but ourself may ever know of the effort to forgive another. It really made me think about forgiveness and how we do that.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcia Willet's latest book, The Prodigal Wife, will not disappoint her many fans. The story centers around Jolyon Chadwick, a newly famous television personality. Handsome and charming he nevertheless suffers a lack of confidence as a consequence of his mother's ill treatment and ultimate abandonment. Now his mother is back, stirring up the past, just when he has finally found a girlfriend who loves and understands him.
Marcia Willet combines interesting and realistically drawn characters who you can't help but like with gorgeous depictions of the sea and country side. The plot is unique with romantic twists and a mystery with a surprise ending. Everything comes together for an entertaining, easy read.