The Legacy of Longdale Manor By Carrie Turansky

 

The Legacy of Longdale Manor By Carrie Turansky from Bethany House Publishing.  Two women a century apart-embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance. In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris traveled to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. 

While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford owner's handsome grandson who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

My Opinion: I loved how the two stories were linked. Both women had complicated relationships with their fathers and needed to find forgiveness and reconciliation. Charlotte’s character growth is remarkable as she learns a new way of life and experiences her first love. I loved her excitement and desire to help when the lambs were born. I was frustrated at times with her stubbornness, but could understand why she was afraid to trust. I loved Gwen & David’s grumpy/happy relationship and seeing it progress to more. The messages of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation were touching and heartfelt.

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