The Legacy, Secrets of the Shetlands #3 by Michael Phllips

The Dramatic Conclusion to Michael Phillips's Shetland Islands Saga 

Loni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate--not to mention a title--in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whale's Reef. How is life ever to be the same with an outsider--and a woman, at that--playing such a pivotal role in the life of this conservative community? But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams. 

What Loni is more sure of, however, is that she is falling in love--with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, with its simple, peaceful way of life, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. 

But life in Whales Reef is not without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong residents, and when one local resident turns up dead, suspicion is cast in the direction of the island's most prominent family. How Loni and David deal with this challenge will go a long way in determining their future, and that of the quaint island community.

My review:

   This is by far the best series Michael Phillips has written..... at least that I have read. I loved the first two books, and have been eagerly waiting for this third and final book in the series.

 This book goes back and forth between the past and future more than the two previous books did, focusing on Loni's great grandfather and great grandmother's meeting, dating, marriage, and the rest of their lives. To be honest, I was a bit distracted by this at first and wished the author would stick to the modern day story...... but then I got caught up in the story of Brogan and Emily. Though their story and Loni and David's story were all fictional, it was neat the way the author showed the legacy of a family down through a few generations. The book flowed well as Phillips went back and forth between the past and present, weaving them together to make one great and entertaining story.

 This is a long book, but it was one I had difficulty putting down. Though not the suspense I normally read, this and the books it follows were all gripping reads and Phillips excelled in his writing in the whole series.

 The Legacy takes  the reader from the small Shetland Islands across the sea and back, and across the years and back. The ending result was a great read that I enjoyed, though I was sorry to see the series end. I highly recommend this series, it is definitely worth reading.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.


The Legacy, and the rest of the Secrets of the Shetlands Series, is available from Bethany House, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.