The Inheritance

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips is the first book in his Secrets of the Shetlands series.  It follows the branches of the Tulloch family and their quest to protect their family's inheritance at all cost. The inheritance means different things to each one, but each is bound and determined to be declared the rightful heir.

I really enjoyed this book though I had a bit of trouble with it at first.  The author added loads of charm to the story by writing in broken dialect in certain parts of the book that would resemble the way the Shetland people would speak.  It took quite a bit of getting used to but once I got the hang of it I felt it was a wonderful addition to the story.

Loni Ford is a self made woman.  Raised by her grandparents in their ultra conservative Quaker faith, she chose to make her own way at the age of 17 and attend a local junior college.  From there she changed her name from Alonnah to Loni, majored in business and never looked back.  It's not that she is looking to forget herself, quite the opposite in fact, she's longing for a place to belong. She never really fit in with the fellowship her grandparents belonged to. Often the victim of bullying by classmates, as well as the teacher, Loni wondered if her grandparents were really her grandparents.  Nothing about her fit in and she wanted so desperately to feel as if she did.  Just as she's on the fast track in the business world a mysterious letter comes telling her of an inheritance and a family she knows nothing about.

David Tulloch has been a resident of Whales Reef of the Shetland Islands most of his life, except for his brief time at college. He is the resident Chief and beloved by many. He is always ready to lend a hand and his infectious laughter has raised many a spirit. No one can quite understand the relationship he has with his notoriously grumpy uncle, and resident laird, Macgregor Tulloch. David tries to see the best in everybody and Macgregor is no different.  He is like a father to David, since David's dad passed away when he was 13.  Everyone assumes when Macgregor passes David will be both chief and laird of the Shetlands but things aren't always what they seem.

Money makes people do crazy things.  Thus is the case of Hardy Tulloch.  A fisherman by trade, he can't resist the allure of riches that North Sea oil offers.  He would never drill for it himself, he's a fisherman but he would be willing to do just about anything for a quick buck.  He's not respected by many but feared by most, known for his nasty temper Hardy just wants to make a name for himself. He wants to be rich and married to the girl of his dreams, but she has eyes for another.

The author does an excellent job of describing the islands, you can picture them in your mind and almost smell the sea!  I want to visit the Shetlands and visit the Tulloch clan, well, except for Hardy. I want to browse the shops and enjoy pastries in Coira MacNeill's bakery.  The Inheritance is a wonderful tale of love, intrigue, family and sacrifice.  It gets its hooks in you and won't let go.  The characters are colorful and lively. The story ends with a cliff hanger and I'm eagerly awaiting the second book.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands book one)