I have been waiting for this book. The House of Falconer trilogy is amazing. I was pulled into the lives, the era, and the drama of being a Falconer from the very beginning of this series. The Wonder of It All completes their family story and as sad as I am that the series is over, I am thrilled with how it all ended.

James Falconer is a powerful man. He has returned from war, recovered from an injury, and is taking on the world again. I love how he did not let all that he went through put him down, he worked hard, he protects those he cares for, and does what he must to heal his body, heart, and soul.

The House of Falconer is a series to be read in order. It is a trilogy and all three books are available now. I highly recommend picking them all up right away.

I have been reading Barbara Taylor Bradford since A Woman of Substance and so of course I grabbed the opportunity to read The Wonder of It All. The story centers on Major James Falconer a tycoon who served during The Great War and his health and his life were changed because of the war. I enjoyed the story of James seeking a relationship with his adult daughter Leonie and Bradford still tells a great story. This is the third book in the Falconer series and while I enjoyed it, likely I would have liked it even better had I read the first two books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Wonder of It All which is available today.

The Wonder of It All is the final book in the House of Falconer Trilogy. I have read all the books in the trilogy and enjoyed them all. It is a historical fiction story. The trilogy expands from the end of the Victorian Age to the beginning of the 20th Century.

James Falconer is a tycoon in England. It opens with James in WWI. He faces many things in this book and has to make decisions concerning his business. James fights to return to the man he once was but he has to find a way to heal his body, soul and family.

Bradford expanded all the characters in the book. She had wonderful character development. Bradford writes in a way that transports into the time of the book. She is a wonderful writer that I think anyone would enjoy reading.

Tentative Publishing Date December 5, 2023.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

🙂 Happy Reading 🙂

#netgalley
#stmartinspress
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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.

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 #TheWonderOfItA

I was excited to get an ARC via NetGalley from Barbara Taylor Bradford, having loved her Emma Harte series (A Woman of Substance). However, this one left me baffled. I felt it was very weak writing and droll. Characters were too proper and not engaging at all. I didn't like the characters, shat a spoiled brat Leonie was, and James Falconer seemed to be just too sweet. While I plodded on to the end it was a struggle. Sad to say, I was disappointed in this story. That being said, I still will look for more books by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Many thanks to #netgalley #barbarataylorbradfor #thewonderofitall for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Wonder of It All is book 3 in the House of Falconer series by Barbara Taylor Bradford.
I enjoyed both the story and the vivid descriptions. The 20th century setting was just so captivating.
The characters were very real and the story was heartwarming. The descriptions made me feel as if I were there which was just amazing. The descriptions are vivid, the characters rich and the storyline full, and I was completely drawn in to this story.

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

"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.

Barbara Taylor Bradford weaves hope, family heritage, suspense and mystery while connecting emotionally with readers through rejection, acceptance, and forgiveness. As always, vivid descriptions and period detail provide a true sense of place and the development of strong male and female characters with integrity, ambition, and drive appeals to generations of readers. Worth the wait!

The Wonder of It All is the last installment in the House of Falconer trilogy. It is the first I've read in the series, and I can't wait to go back and read the other two. James Falconer is seriously hurt during World War I. Between his physical and mental wounds, he also is dealing with the loss of his wife. He throws himself into his work seemingly shutting off the rest of the world. Friends and family try to entice him into living again. You'll have to read The Wonder of It All to see if they are successful. Clearly a novel crafted by the incredible writing wizardry of Barbara Taylor Bradford.

Really enjoyed this story of James Falconer, his life after the war. He was a real business Tycoon. He was married and his wife Alexis died and at the same time had a child with Mrs. Ward, He was in Leonie's life until Alexis died but went into a great depression. After the war in which he was injured he had a year of rehab before returning. See what happens after he returns . Does he continue with Mrs. Ward, Does his daughter Leonie come back into his life and does he marry ANnabel.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I love Barbara Taylor Bradford books but I have to admit its been awhile since I read any.
I did not realize that this book was part of the House of Falconer series.

But there was something about this book that I w wanted to give it a try and now that I did I want to read the others.

Don't shy away from books when they are part of series that you haven't read. GIve it a try.

While this will probably be most satisfying to those who have been following the story of James Falconer, who rose from relative poverty to power and influence in the Victorian era, it will also be fine as a standalone because it leaps ahead to the aftermath of WWI. James is affected- seriously affected- by the War and now he's hoping to resume is romance with Georgina and build a bridge to his daughter Leonie. Leonie has her own troubles and Georgina, well, she's not as interested in James as she once was. He turns his attention elsewhere but this is a family saga so the focus is on the Falconers. Bradford is a good storyteller and this is very much plot driven. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. An old fashioned sort of read that can be quite satisfying.

I love being drawn into the world created by Barbara Taylor Bradford. This book did not disappoint. With characters I wanted to know more about and well written descriptions this book was fantastic from beginning to end.

Barbara Taylor Bradford's books are always on the keeper shelf!

The Wonder of it All is the third and latest installment in the House of Falconer saga by Barbara Taylor Bradford. James Falconer has recently returned wounded from World War I. He is trying to develop a relationship with his estranged adult daughter and her mother, whom he has loved for years. I've enjoyed other books by Barbara Taylor Bradford, but this one seemed sort of flat. The story was interesting, but not what I'm used to in her writing.

Satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and very well written. The author has been around and knows just what we want, then gives us more.

"From New York Times bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes the long-anticipated final novel in the House of Falconer trilogy.

James Falconer - a tycoon and a self-made man - seems to have the world in the palm of his hand. But the Great War looms, and James decides to fight for king and country. The fighting is bloody and brutal, and 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 child 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.

Told with Barbara Taylor Bradford's inimitable style and flair for period detail, The Wonder of It All concludes House of Falconer trilogy that has followed the story of this remarkable family from Victorian times to the 20th century."

But do Barbara Taylor Bradford series ever really end the way they somehow all become interconnected?

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: December 3, 2023
Series: House of Falconer #3
Pages: 368

This is a first time read by Barbara Taylor Bradford, new author to this reader. This was a wonderful and heartwarming novel that I couldn’t put down. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this book and realized that I need to read the others in this series. James Falconer returns from the war physically and emotionally wounded. He is taken in by his ex and wants to rebuild a relationship with his estranged daughter, as well as protect his businesses and its employees. At a gathering with friends, he becomes enchanted by a lovely woman and someone who makes him happy. This story is center of James Falconer’s character and how the people around him viewed him as a person. I loved the plot, settings, and most of the characters in the story. I often shy away from war stories unless it interests me. My only dislike was the very short conflicts in the story. I thought they could transition further in the reading and not resolved so quickly. In conclusion, a very nice and enjoyable novel.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a light, fun read this one is for you. I did not realize that this was the third book in the series but loved it and did not feel I was missing something since I did not read the first two. I will certainly try to go back and read them now. The characters are beautifully developed and the plots were reasonable and fun to read. The story begins in the trenches of WWI and then move forward as the hero returns home and matures into a wealthy businessman. It is a story of family dynamics and just written in such a way as to grab the reader and holds your attention to the very end. This is an escape novel at its best and I loved it.

I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Wonder of it All
The House of Falconer Series Book no3
Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford.
(the review is based on an ARC from NetGalley)
James Falconer—a tycoon and a self-made man—seems to have the world in the palm of his hands but World war one looms and James signs up to do his patriotic duty.
The fighting is brutal with poisonous gas and trenches affecting all survivors. James was wounded which affected his legs and he spent quite a while in hospital.
His mental wounds are the loss of his wife who died in childbirth.
James has a new love in his life Georgina Ward who is the mother of his only child, Leonie who wants nothing to do with her father. Leonie is married to a dangerous man but does not see the danger she is in.
Georgina rejects James’s marriage proposal, however, fearing Leonie will never forgive him for not being present during her childhood. James then meets beautiful and accomplished newspaper columnist Annabel Kelsey.
The characters are portrayed in a dynamic way and Barbara Taylor Bradford concludes this historical series which will be satisfying to readers.