The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands Series) by Michael Phillips from Bethany House Publisher [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN13: 9780764217487

About the book: The death of clan patriarch Macgregor Tulloch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whales Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed Tulloch's heir to be his much-loved grandnephew David. But when no will is discovered, David's calculating cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And Hardy knows a North Sea oil investor who will pay dearly for that control.

While the competing claims are investigated, the courts have frozen the estate's assets, leaving many of the locals in dire financial straits. The future of the island---and its traditional way of life---hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, Loni Ford enjoys a rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, D.C. Yet, in spite of outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is, until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Michael Phillips' dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace.

My thoughts: One might think that with a book ending at 428 pages, "The End" would be welcomed. However, at that point the door was opened to an intriguing and beguiling continuance. Not a true cliffhanger, just a welcoming of possibilities.

Michael Phillips has created a cast of characters that the reader both loves and detests. The scene is the northern-most islands of Scotland called The Shetlands. We've heard of Shetland Ponies and Shetland Wool, well this is the land of all that and much, much more. It is a land of people descended from the Celts, Scots, and Norse. Their language or dialect is a conglomerate of their heritage leaning heavily on Scots.

The land is surrounded by treacherous seas and yet these are a fisherman breed whose main livelihood is from the sea.

There are two timelines in this story and it is a strongly woven meshing of traditional Scots heritage where the land is owned and managed by a Laird and Chief. In this story the Laird has died and the inheritance is highly questioned and contended.

I love Michael Phillips' story telling and thoroughly enjoy mental strolls over the land and gazes from the heights. In my mind, I love the wind I can feel in my face as I experience what the characters are currently experiencing.

I love the old man and his connection with the old and the new. I love the strength and gentleness of David, the Chief.

This is another exceptional read given us from the pen of Michael Phillips and one I can heartily recommend.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 25
ENDS May 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Author: Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly thirty more books. Over the past thirty years, his persistent efforts have helped reawaken interest in the writings of nineteenth century Scotsman George MacDonald.

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