BOTM 1 – Oct 2022 – Something Wonderful

[Susan]

Discussion thread for the first BOTM for October 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)


Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Join us in reading this old school romance. Happy reading!

Synopsis:

Bestselling author Judith McNaught masterfully portrays a remarkable heroine, and an unforgettable passion, in this powerfully moving love story -- one of her most beloved novels of all time!

The tempestuous marriage of Alexandra Lawrence, an innocent country girl, and Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne, is about to face its ultimate test of tender loyalty. Swept into the endlessly fascinating world of London society, free-spirited Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. But behind her husband's cold, arrogant mask, there lives a tender, vital, sensual man...the man Alexandra married. Now, she will fight for his very life...and the rapturous bond they alone can share.

[Maureen]

Wow This is “Something Wonderful”. This month I think the books chosen are my favourites. Sometimes the oldies are the best.

[Lauren]

I enjoy the books chosen every month unfortunately, they are books I've already read several times. :( Still, I hope everyone enjoys!

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I read this book series not long ago. Lovely story’s . Have kept the books to read again, but not at the moment.
Happy reading, do hope you enjoy it.

[Susan]

I have wanted to read this for a while, so finally bought a copy (not available on kindle in Oz, so had to buy a hard copy!). I am really looking forward to it.

[Jan]

This was a fav book of mine when I started reading HR as a teen. I haven't read it for years, but I'm sure I still have a paperback copy of it on my shelf. It's annoying that Judith McNaught books still aren't available on kindle in Australia :(

I intend to start soon. I wonder whether it will seem too old skool now?? Looking forward to the reread.

[Jan]

It's so long since I read this that I've forgotten most of it, so it's like a new read. Nice :) I notice it's longer than modern HRs. The longer length is probably typical of HRs from the 1990s, I guess.

I've started and have read the first three chapters. I like the way the writer is setting up the MCs' backgrounds and their different characters. Jordan wildly sexy and charismatic but a cynic who doesn't trust anyone especially women. Alexandra the naive, very sweet and trusting young lady (view spoiler)[ although her father's bigamy may have led her to be not quite so trusting (hide spoiler)].

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I like the secondary characters introduced here, such as Alexandra's hard-of-hearing butler and her near-sighted footman. I'd forgotten the gentle comedy of parts of this book.

I think Alexandra and Jordan will meet in the next chapter - looking forward to that :) (hide spoiler)]

[Susan]

I have read the first 12 chapters. It really is an epic novel. I was finding Alex's naivety a little annoying, but the novel has taken a sudden turn I was not expecting.....

[Jan]

Susan wrote: "I have read the first 12 chapters. It really is an epic novel. I was finding Alex's naivety a little annoying, but the novel has taken a sudden turn I was not expecting....."

I like her naivety. There are some very funny moments. I've read the first 9 chapters now, and still liking it. But yes, it is a bit of an epic.
Chapter 9(view spoiler)[ I liked the sweet scene during their coach journey where they have a fencing match in the clearing and all of the servants stand and watch. Then there's the funny moment in the coach where they discuss where babies come from. LOL. (hide spoiler)]

[Patti]

It’s been a while since I participated in the book club, so I popped on to see what everyone is reading this month. I raised my eyes at the old school JM, so I read some reviews. All I can say is “oof.” It’s not my cup of tea these days, so I’ll be passing, but I’m interested to see what everyone else thinks.

[Lauren]

It's been ages (more than 20 years) since I read this book. I might read it again for the 15th time or so :)

[Susan]

I am a little more than half-way now and I must say this book (in true JMcN fashion) has a bit of everything so far (view spoiler)[robbery by highwaymen, forced marriage, attempted murder/abduction, torture, aristocratic snobbery and my favorite, the interrrupted wedding when the minster says 'if anyone knows any reason why....' (hide spoiler)] I am wondering what is next.

This a long novel, but I have to say that at more than 250 pages in I am looking forward to the next 250 pages - I am sure they will not disappoint.

[Susan]

296 pages in and 120 to go. I think there will be many people who disagree with me, but I am finding Alexandra very tiresome (when I read reviews most people love her, and she does have spirit). (view spoiler)[ I know she is young and I know that she had her dreams and illusions crushed, but really she is behaving like a spoilt toddler (I have an image of her on the ground with her legs flying up and down screaming just like a toddler) and it is becoming tiresome. They were forced to marry, they knew each other for 10 days and were married for 4, and then Jordan has been bashed, abducted, shipwrecked, imprisoned, tortured. Self-centred I think is an apt description for Alexandra. I mean, you think she might ask him whether it is OK after his ordeal before asking for a divorce?? (hide spoiler)] However I will keep on, as overall it is still enjoyable and I know that with Judith McNaughton there will be another twist just around the corner and the epic will continue. I have great hopes for a good finish

[Sisi]

Eu amo a serie inteira.
O topico me deu vontade de ler tudo denovo

[Jan]

I finished the book today, and gave 4 stars. Overall I enjoyed the read. Yes, it is definitely 'old school', but it's a decent storyline with well-drawn characters and some lovely humorous touches.

I did grow a little impatient with Alexandra at times, with her eternal optimism etc etc, but I think it's just me, being older and more cynical these days and preferring heroines with more life experience. When I first read this, when I was quite a bit younger, I loved Alexandra and really connected with her character.

I think in the story and characters you can see McNaught's influence on later HR writers. Many of her ideas here have been adapted and reused again and again. McNaught was one of the original HR greats IMO, and is worth reading for that alone.

Hope everyone else is enjoying the read.

[Susan]

I also gave the book 4 stars and I agree wholeheartedly with all of your comments Jan:
- decent storyline and well-developed characters with some good witty banter.
- I was very frustrated with Alexandra. She was self-centred to the end. It really was a lack of maturity. I am also probably too old to really connect with her.

McNaught really does know how to tell a story and develop complex characters. I really enjoyed it, but there are better McNaught books in my opinion. Even a lesser McNaught is still a great read.

[SunnyCAGirl]

This book is 4 stars for me and contrary to popular opinion, it is one of my favorites by McNaught. The reason that I like it more than some of her other more famous books: Jordan is hot, rich and egotistical (like all of her heroes), but he's not a total jerk to Alex in the bedroom. He puts effort into learning how to love.
And, Alex is sweet and multi-dimensional and honest with him, even when it is tough.
The plot does go a bit sideways at the end of the book and the epilogue was a bit weak...but still really liked it.

[Susan]

SunnyCAGirl wrote: "This book is 4 stars for me and contrary to popular opinion, it is one of my favorites by McNaught. The reason that I like it more than some of her other more famous books: Jordan is hot, rich and ..."

Yes, it was a good read