It’s
been many years since I’ve read a book by Michael
Phillips but the storyline of his newest book, The Inheritance, drew me
in. I’m so glad for this opportunity to
reconnect with this author for he is a gifted storyteller.
The
Inheritance tells the story of the Tulloch family through the generations who
have lived on the fictional island of Whales Reef which is part of the Shetland
Islands of Scotland. Following the
unexpected death of laird Macgregor Tulloch the fate of the Tulloch legacy and
fortune hangs in the balance while the courts determine who the rightful heir
is. The community of Whales Reef is
impacted as well as everyone awaits the news of who will be their new
laird. How will their village be affected? Will their way of life continue on and be
protected or are changes coming their way?
How does a young woman over 3,400 miles away in Washington DC factor
into the equation? To find out, you are
going to want to read The Inheritance.
Author
Michael Phillips knows how to weave a good story. He starts by unveiling the storyline and
weaves in a cast of characters that seem to come alive. After reading this story I feel like I could
take the ferryboat from Lerwick and step on to the island of Whales Reef and
walk down the street and see the people I’ve been reading about. The author takes the time to develop the
characters. He really captures the
unique way of life on the Shetland Islands and the accent was captured when the
characters spoke.
I
liked the character David Tulloch and thought his character was well
developed. David’s interaction with
people seemed to reflect a genuine Christian faith, but he didn’t speak about
it, pray, read the Bible or go to church. I would like to have better understood the
character of Loni. The reader learns
about how she was raised, but faith doesn’t seem to be evident in her current life. Towards the end of the story she expresses an
interest in the Christian faith and shows appreciation her family
heritage. The other character I would
have liked to have seen better developed is Hardy who seemed rather one dimensional. One character who did openly share his faith
was Sandy Innes as he prayed and interacted with Loni. I loved this character.
A
Christian author is in a unique position and has a huge opportunity to share
the soul saving message of the Gospel. I
wish that had been done in this book. I
struggled somewhat because the Christian faith and church were distorted in the
beginning of this book because of false teachers that were part of the
story. The characters just seemed to
stop going to church altogether. Another
concern I have is that some of the thoughts and feelings expressed don’t line
up with Biblical theology. An example is
when David was recalling an incident from his youth (page 251), “His quest for
the great Fatherhood of the universe had begun.”
I
recommend The Inheritance by Michael Phillips for its rich storyline and
interesting characters; not sound Biblical theology. The story starts out a little slow, but it’s
worth pressing through. I look forward
to reading additional books in this series.
Michael is very adept at writing historical fiction and draws the reader
in.
I
would like to thank Litfuse and Bethany House for the opportunity to read The
Inheritance in exchange for an honest review.
I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
If
you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inheritance by Michael Phillips
please click on the link below:
https://promosimple.com/ps/9735
