The Bequest: an unexpected inheritance and a life changing decision

The Bequest by B.E. Baker is the first book in The Birch Creek Ranch series. Abigail and Amanda married the Brooks brothers but they have nothing else in common. After their husbands both pass away, they have become distant acquaintances. Until one day, when news comes to them that their late husbands’ eccentric uncle has passed away and left a cattle ranch to their children. However, they must work the ranch for one year. If they do, it’s theirs. If they do not, the ranch will be sold and the proceeds donated. At first, they both decide to turn down the offer; however, a series of events leads them both to spend the summer at the ranch with their combined six children. Could this summer prove they have no business running a ranch? Or prove that they could? 

I have enjoyed B.E. Baker’s books in the past and I was looking forward to reading The Bequest. I was excited as it appeared next on my To-Be-Read list. After a few chapters, my enjoyment faltered. I could not stand Abigail or Amanda at first. Abigail is a lawyer hoping to become a partner at her firm. Amanda is an Instagram influencer desperate for the chance to expand her brand. By the end, I did see them begin to change and evolve. The only characters I truly enjoyed were the children, especially Elijah. Overall, I did enjoy The Bequest and would like to see how Abigail, Amanda and their children continue to grow with their new lives. If you enjoy surprise inheritance and fish out of water stories, you may enjoy The Bequest. 

The Bequest is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Winnifred Cottage: an unexpected inheritance and a family secret

Winnifred Cottage by Jennie Alexander is a story of fresh starts and old family secrets. Everything seems to be crashing down for Abigail “Abbie” Morgan. Her home burns down and she breaks up with her boyfriend. Her only option seems to move to the Winnifred Cottage in the Lake District. A surprise inheritance from her late grandmother, the cottage offers her a new start. Once she arrives, she realizes that the cottage needs a lot more work than she realized. After meeting her great aunts and other villagers, Abbie also realizes that the cottage holds a family secret and a glimpse into her grandmother she never knew. Can this move be a dream come true or her worst nightmare? 

Winnifred Cottage is a lighter reading with a happy ending. It opens with Abbie in the hospital after a fall and she decides to move to the cottage. Feeling the need to escape and clear her head, the cottage offers the best option. Once there, she sees it’s not the dream she imagined. I always laugh at characters, and people in real life, who act shocked when they learn that their grandparents, or even their parents, had a past. Of course, they did. They didn’t come into this world as your parents. They were young adults who made life changing decisions. Overall, I enjoyed Winnifred Cottage. If you enjoy a slower paced story with family secrets, I recommend Winnifred Cottage. 

Winnifred Cottage is available in paperback and eBook

Beach Haven: a new chance for a new beginning

Beach Haven by Tammy L Grace is the first book in the Glass Beach Cottage series. Lily Reed is no stranger to loss. However, after the tragic death of her husband, she is desperate to escape the memories surrounding her. Leaving all she has known behind her, she decides to return to the Pacific Northwest and restore the Glass Beach Cottage that she inherited from her beloved uncle. As life by the ocean soothes her and the kindness of her new friends, she restores the Glass Beach Cottage and welcomes new guests. Along with the healing power of the sea, Lily learns she has strength and, with all the joys and sorrows of life, the best remedy for her own grief is in helping others. 

Beach Haven is a story of a heartbreaking loss, an unexpected inheritance and a chance for a new beginning. It is a great, fast paced and enjoyable read for a laid back afternoon. As I read, I was reminded of Ms. Grace’s Hometown Harbor series, which also takes place in the Pacific Northwest. My heart broke for Lily and I admired her decision to start fresh. The story definitely leaves it open for more adventures at the Glass Beach Cottage and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy small towns and new beginnings, I recommend Beach Haven. 

Beach Haven is available in paperback and eBook

The Clause in Christmas: an unexpected inheritance comes with a catch

The Clause in Christmas is the first book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Is a story of an unexpected inheritance and a turning point in life. Cassie Hayward hates Christmas and for good reason. This year she has no job, flat broke and an ex that won’t leave her alone. She arrives in the small town of Poppy Creek to receive her inheritance from her estranged grandmother. There’s one tiny problem. Her grandmother Edith had put a clause in the will. In order for Cassie to inherit, she would need to complete the Christmas Calendar. A series of festive tasks to complete everyday til Christmas and her lawyer, the handsome Luke Davis, would oversee her progress. Will Cassie complete the calendar? Will she risk her heart to find joy in Christmas and love in the small town? 

I don’t usually read books set during Christmas but the premise of The Clause in Christmas intrigued me. How could someone hate Christmas? This book was my first by Rachael Bloome and it will not be my last. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, my heart fell for Cassie, Luke and the small town of Poppy Creek. I grinned like an idiot. I cried like a baby and I sighed at the romance. Cassie’s story is heartbreaking and with pain like hers, it is easy to close yourself off for protection. Luke is just the man to show her that joy can be found in Christmas and how love can be great when you open yourself up. I am eager to read the rest of the Poppy Creek series. I highly, highly recommend The Clause in Christmas. 

The Clause in Christmas is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Finding Me: an unexpected inheritance leads to life changing experiences

Finding Me by Judith Keim is the first book in the Salty Key Inn series. An unexpected inheritance opens doors of possibilities and life changing opportunities. Sheena Sullivan Morelli and her sisters, Darcy and Regan, inherit a hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida from their Uncle Gavin. As the black sheep of the family, Gavin had disappeared from their lives many, many years ago. However, there is a twist. They must live together for one year at the hotel and prepare the hotel to receive guests within a year. Sheen is eager to escape her role as an unappreciated wife and mother and rediscover herself. Dreams of sitting on the beach, sipping margaritas are dashed when the hotel is in desperate need of repair and renovation. Undaunted, the three sisters set a plan and are determined to meet this challenge to change their lives forever. 

Finding Me is a story about finding one’s true self. Sheena married young and devoted herself to her husband, his business and their children. Darcy works a job she hates while she dreams of something better. Regan has spent her life being the dumb blonde while hiding a true talent that she fears to reveal. Each sister must commit to their uncle’s last wishes or no one will inherit anything. This story should have been Sheena’s story with aspects hinting at Darcy and Regan’s stories in later books, however, the alternating points of view were distracting and with just too much going on. I didn’t like the fact that Sheena was willing to leave her husband, whom she claims to love greatly, and live apart for one year. Overall, I enjoyed the story but I am not sure if I liked it enough to continue the series. 

Finding Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn: when an unexpected inheritance offers a second chance of life

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn by Leigh Duncan is the first book in the Sugar Sand Beach series. Michelle Robinson has a great life. A husband who loves her and two children on their way to a successful life. It all came crashing down when her husband of 25 years suddenly died and even after one year later, she is still barely staying afloat. She now realizes that she cannot stay in their beautiful home in the rolling hills of Virginia and is forced to sell before the bank forecloses. Her decision puts her at odds with her children but her three best friends, Erin, Nina and Reggie, she is ready to face her bleak future. Until an unexpected inheritance opens new opportunities for her future. Will the beautiful Florida beach offer her a second chance at life, love and happiness? 

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn is a great beginning as it introduces four women at the crossroads in life and finds themselves wondering what to do next. My heart broke for Michelle as she is still trying to function a year after her husband’s death. She realizes that she has put off the inevitable for far too long and now she is in a race against time to get her life in order. I also enjoyed her friends as they deal with their own problems and issues. The story was fast paced, easy read as I was engrossed in the events and the characters as they find themselves in Sugar Sand Beach. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy stories about four friends and new adventures, I highly recommend The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn. 

The Gift at Sugar Sand Inn is available in paperback and eBook