The Inheritance: A Novel

The Inheritance by JoAnn Ross is a fascinating dual timeline story that focuses on a French Resistance worker, and an American Forces Pilot in the World War II timeline, and three half-sisters, and their grandmother in the present-day timeline. Tess, a novelist and former child actress, Charlotte, a southern designer, and Natalie, a French photographer are all summoned to the Maison de Madeleine winery in Aberdeen, Oregon, to listen to their Father’s reading of his will. Each of the sisters has different mothers, and they grew up separately, and not knowing each other. In fact, some did not even have knowledge of their sister’s existence until the summons. At the winery, they meet their 96-year-old Grandmother who tells them her story of meeting their Grandfather during the war in France. They were each a hero in their own way during the French resistance and have a fascinating story of their own. The sisters also have to learn to forgive their father for his lack of parenting and learn to forgive and love each other as they learn more about their famous photographer’s father. I found this book to be a fast read and I was engrossed in the story immediately. I love stories of sisters and forgiveness and love, and the author did an excellent job of giving us well-developed characters who are all likable and flawed at the same time. I also enjoyed reading about the grandmother and her time in Nazi-occupied France, and her rescue of the American pilot who she eventually marries. The suffering of the French people during this terrible time in history is illustrated in the Grandmothers story. I recommend this book to fans of WWII history and lovers of multi-generational family sagas. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Inheritance by JoAnn Ross takes us to the Willamette Valley of Oregon where three women have just inherited a winery. Three sisters are getting a chance to learn about each other, their father, their family, and their heritage. They may also find love while in wine country. I thought The Inheritance was a well-written story with good pacing. Ms. Ross is a descriptive writer. This allowed me to visualize the characters and scenes. I thought the characters were realistic and developed. I like it when the characters have flaws because it makes them relatable. The characters were likeable as well. I enjoyed the scenery of Aberdeen, Oregon. It sounds like a beautiful area. Interspersed among the present-day chapters were sections that took us back to World War II. Madeleine, the sisters’ grandmother, talks about her adventures during the war and how she met their grandfather. There is foul language in this story (just FYI). I liked reading about these four resilient women. The Inheritance is a story about forgiveness, overcoming tragedy, endurance, overcoming adversity, and love. Be prepared to stay up late once you begin reading The Inheritance.

This was an amazing book. I love the storyline, I couldn't put it down. must read.