Inheritance

Christine Sunderland
OakTara Publishers (2009)
ISBN 9781602902190
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Readerviews (10/09)


After Victoria Nguyen experiences a life-altering, traumatic incident, she discovers that she is pregnant.  Desiring to do what is right Victoria wants to make her own decisions about how to handle the matter.  Her mother, who is a controlling politician, would prefer that Victoria does what looks best, instead of what is best for both her and the baby.  With the support of her father, Victoria flees from the United States to London where she is taken in by a family who owed a debt to her father.  Meeting their son William, who is studying to be a deacon, Victoria finds a kindred soul.  Unfortunately, she has to stay on the move to keep out of her mother’s control. 

As she continues to seek out peace, Victoria meets the Seymour’s who are from San Francisco.  Madeleine is a history professor who is studying the history of the church. Her husband Jack is a retired wine broker.  They are in England so that Jack can locate a property to purchase and create a home for orphans.  Madeleine also uses this trip to further her research.  The Seymour’s, especially Madeleine, wish to help Victoria, but also have concerns because she is a minor.  Brother Cristoforo, a Franciscan from Rome comes to assist the Seymour’s with their search.  He is also dealing with his own issues.  He does not feel compelled to follow the rules, he follows his spirit instead.  In spite of this, he proves to be a strong asset with assisting Victoria and the Seymour’s.

As time passes and the baby is close to being born, Victoria has to reach inside herself and pull strength from within.  Her relationships, with the Seymour’s and William and Brother Cristoforo, cause her faith to strengthen more and more.  In spite of the trauma that caused her to be in London, Victoria’s personal and spiritual growth is tremendous.  Each person around her is also evolving.  When she encounters her mother, she is able to tap into her new strength and stand up for herself.  Her new found faith helps her.  Along the way she also finds true love.

“Inheritance” tells an incredible story.  Even though the main character, Victoria, is young, she still teaches us a lot about faith and perseverance. She also gives us hope, as we read about what she has had to overcome.  The rest of the characters also offer interesting stories from which the reader will feel inspired.  I know that I did.  I also enjoyed reading about Mrs. Seymour’s research, which is heavily referenced in the appendix.  It added a great deal of interest to the story.  “Inheritance” by Christine Sunderland will be enjoyed by readers of faith-based stories.  I think that it also make a great selection for a readers’ group.

Make comment on weblog