"The Legacy of Longdale Manor," by Carrie Turansky

 "The Legacy of Longdale Manor," by Carrie Turansky

Two women--a century apart--embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

This book is set in the Lake District where I lived as a child, so I was very happy to review this book.  Overall this book is a must read.  I enjoyed all the characters, and even enjoyed the going back and forward between the past and the present.  All the religious quotes/passages I felt where inserted in the book in an appropriate manner and were explained well.  It got to a point with both Gwen and Charlotte I had to know what happened next.  Where each chapter left off, it left you wanting more.

The downside of this book though is I was left wanting more.  The story of Charlotte Harper and her family is a book in itself I feel.  There is a lot more I want to know about them.  The same with Gwen, there is a lot more I wanted to know, especially about her grandfather.  

Stars out of 5 : 4 So although I will say please read this book you will enjoy it, it was missing something for me.  There is a lot more to be told about both families.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".