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About the Book
Book: Heirlooms
Author: Sandra Byrd
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Tyndale Publishing
Release Date: July 5, 2022
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.
My Thoughts
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I'm so glad that I was able to be part of her release team! This is a beautiful story that revolves around the lives and relationships of four women. We meet Helen and Choi Eunhee which are Army widows in the 1950's and despite their differences they form a lifelong friendship. In the present day, we meet their grandaughters who also become best friends. I really enjoyed the full circle of the plot.
The women in the story are definitely well written. Helen is very likable and relatable. Despite her loss and hurts she is willing to help someone that others may see as different and truly develops a kinship that she did not expect to happen. Euhnee was so sweet and I really enjoyed how the author portrayed her and taught me about the Korean culture that she came from.
I really enjoy dual timelines especially when they are written well and Sandra definitely does. She had me engaged in both timelines and I was never lost. I am not a gardening person at all, in fact despite my love for flowers my kids tell me I have a black thumb. I definitely try planting though every year and don't give up! Euhnee brings the Victory garden to life and in the process makes the friendship stronger between them.
The storylines almost mirror each other from the past and the present timeline. So very much like what happens in our life as some of the things we go through are the things that our ancestors have as well. I thought that was a very relatable part of the plot line. There is a lot to the story to love. A lot of themes that the author tackles may be sensitive to some like autism, down syndrome, etc... but she did it with ease.
The faith element is there and was done so great. I loved Helen's neighbor whom always showed Christ in the way she talked and lived but never was pushy or overwhelming with it. She definitely lived out her faith and I think that's more of what we need to see in our walk with the Lord. Let people see God in you.
I definitely recommend you pick this one up especially if you enjoy stories about friendships and community!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
In addition, as an editor and an in-demand writing coach, Sandra is passionate about helping writers develop their talents and has coached and mentored hundreds of writers at all stages of their writing careers.
A dedicated foodie from the age of sixteen, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In her free time, she collects vintage glass and serve ware, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.
Reach Sandra Here: https://sandrabyrd.contactin.bio/
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