Fiction Book Review: The Legacy by Michael Phillips

Book Description:
The Dramatic Conclusion to the Secrets of the ShetlandsLoni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate--not to mention a title--in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How can life ever be the same with an outsider--and a woman at that--playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community? But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she's cut out for it.

Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she's falling in love--with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?

Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family. How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.

My Review:
The Legacy is the perfect conclusion to the Secrets of the Shetlands series. This sweeping series ends the beautiful story of Loni Ford's adventure in Scotland. I enjoyed how the author wove the many tales of Scottish legacy with the reality of Loni's life in America. The colorful characters add fun and frolic, along with depth and texture to the multilayered story. With the lovely setting, I felt like I strolled through the heather with Loni and David as they sorted out their lives and discovered their futures. Michael Phillips does not always use the writing technique of showing. He does occasionally use the old-fashioned technique of telling the story. I'm not opposed to this, but it might bother some readers. The book is lengthy, but the story needed every page. For me, The Legacy is a sigh worthy book I could disappear into. I received the book for free. 

Fiction Book Review: The Cottage by Michael Phillips

Book Description:
When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman--and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place--and the character of its most prominent citizen--that soon gets under her skin.

Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whale's Reef. David's cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni's hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni's very life in danger.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Shetland Islands Saga. The Inheritance introduced readers to the Tulloch family and their quaint island life. In The Cottage we meet the American who is next in line to take over the small community. I enjoyed book one. Book two was even better. I love the Scottish setting, the authentic dialog entwined in the conversations, and the history of the Shetland Islands. This is not a fast read, instead it's one I call a "January book"; a perfect book to curl up with this winter (or on a cool autumn day) with a cup of hot tea. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I'd recommend you read both. I like Loni and David. They're both solid characters with a whole town full of people surrounding them like a patchwork quilt. One of my favorite parts of reading this book is the peaceful beauty of the Shetlands and the pastoral life. This a long book, 416 pages. There are some places that are a bit slow, but interesting. I received this book for free from Bethany House.

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