The Inheritance

Michael Trevelyan and his mother have never got along. That relationship was further destroyed by his bitterness over his mother's refusal to believe his sister Miriam's accusations about Uncle Edward and take appropriate action. He also carries his own share of guilt for what he receives as his part in Miriam's death. Michael, a successful orthopaedic surgeon, is bitter and resentful with no time for anyone who does not hold similar views to his own. \\r\\nWhen his mother, Justine Trevelyan, becomes critically ill, Dr. Alexandra Hope comes into her life. Alexandra is a God fearing young woman who yearns to be a missionary and who is waiting for her visa to go to Ethiopia. Needless to say Michael and Alexandra clash in their views about God, life and his mother, especially given Justine's recent revelations of long held secrets. \\r\\nWhen Justine tells Michael her conditions for him inheriting Whitecross, the family estate, Michael is livid. The conditions must be met. Otherwise it will go to his younger brother Geoffrey. Michael is determined Geoffrey will not get Whitecross and be able to set up another Christian run drug and alcohol recovery centre. \\r\\nEven though he wasn't always pleasant at times, I found myself easily drawn into Michael's story. Alexandra is a spirited yet committed believer and I warmed to her immediately. Her father John, also a doctor, is a lovely character too. As a reader I had a sense of where the story was heading but that was okay. The story…

Requesting this book to review, I had no idea what I was in for! Reading the blurb, I was hoping for a romance novel, however those were only my hopes. Yet the quote """"He struggles with bitterness and betrayal. She wants to follow God's way. To be together seems impossible"""" allowed it to be plausible. But the more I read the book, the more I enjoyed the story, I discovered that it was far from my expectations!!\\r\\n \\r\\nIt only took me the first couple chapters, really only the first, to be hooked. Berthelsen didn't waste any time in making her way to the heart of the matter, which was Michael's bitterness towards his mother, himself and his 'uncle'. And I have to confess, I didn't side with him to begin with. But Berthelsen's gift of writing smoothly and very competently made the characters and story come to life, causing me to side with Michael, to some extent. However I have to confess, that I found his outgoing ways a little confronting, causing me to be cautious around him, especially where Alexandra was concerned. This was mainly caused by his lack of faith, hence Alexandra's strong faith. Although that said, I find it to be a crucial aspect, because it highlights Michael's transformation! This is the essence of the story. Yes, romance played a role, however minor and I did feel a connection between them, which really highlighted to power of such a relationship. Yet the whole time, I was reminded that the essence of this story is about trusting God; turning from…