Book Review – Heirlooms

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Heirlooms

Author: Sandra Byrd

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Genre: Dual Timeline Fiction, Christian

Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.

After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.

Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.

Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

“This is women’s fiction as it is meant to be written with intriguing characters making decisions that ripple through generations.” – Library Journal, starred review

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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My Thoughts

I started reading this book, and was immediately captivated.

Not only by the characters in the historical time line, but also the more modern day one.

And I loved reading about Whidbey Island (just where exactly is it?!)

I loved learning more about what life was like in those post WWII days. I especially enjoyed seeing what a cross-cultural friendship was like in the days when those were not only rare and unheard of, but extremely unpopular and considered almost…suspicious?!

Helen is a rare person. Determined, with lots of spunk and grit. Yet, seeking, looking, yearning. She is one of those who has had a hard life, but in spite of all of it, has determined to ‘make lemonade’. I enjoyed watching her friendship with Eunhee grow.

Then there’s Cassidy, of the present day timeline. She has dreams of being a master gardener. But, there’s also her grandma’s home that she is determined to save. She needs a plan. I enjoyed getting to know her, and see her grow through her friendships.

I especially enjoyed learning how the two time lines tied together. I had my suspicions, but loved reading and having some of my thoughts confirmed, while other things played out that I had no idea about.

This book is classified as a women’s fiction, and it is one of those that will linger with me for quite awhile, even after I’ve closed the book and put it back on my bookshelf.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd continues to earn both industry acclaim and high praise from readers everywhere. The author of more than fifty books, her work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, Two Library Journal Best Book selections, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list. Her traditionally published books include titles by Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Tyndale House Publishers, WaterBrook Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Bethany House. She’s also an independent author.

Sandra loves walking, the beach, cooking and baking, photography, watching Escape to the Country, Fake or Fortune, and Chef’s Table, as well as spending time with family and friends – real and fictional!

Connect with Sandra at http://www.sandrabyrd.com, http://www.sandrabyrdbookcoach.com, or through social media platforms.

CONNECT WITH SANDRA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a King Arthur Cinnamon Roll Kit, including the heavy-gauge pan, plus a $25 Starbucks card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 5, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 12, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!