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The Family Inheritance
A toxic will plays havoc in the lives of three generations of women when they discover they have been living a lie. A keenly observed story of the danger of secrets, the legacy of betrayal, and the power of family from a best-selling Australian author.
Sometimes an ending is really a beginning...
Felicity Lewis' 50th birthday party in her newly renovated home, loving husband and daughter Greta by her side, is going off with a bang when disaster strikes. Her father, Franklyn, with his usual impeccable timing, has keeled over and died.
For some members of the family, his wife Hazel, for example, Franklyn's death is not the great loss it first appears to be. But when his toxic and inexplicable will is read out, it becomes clear that long-buried secrets are about to surface, starting with the astonishing reappearance of Hazel's long-lost sister.
Indeed, Franklyn's death sets in motion a chain of events that will cause three generations of Gifford family women to question everything they hold dear - their relationships, their loyalties, even their identities. Until, that is, they choose to fight back against their dark inheritance...
A clever, sympathetic, and thought-provoking look at how a legacy of lies can seep through the generations and poison all it touches, and how the truth can set you free.
Sometimes an ending is really a beginning...
Felicity Lewis' 50th birthday party in her newly renovated home, loving husband and daughter Greta by her side, is going off with a bang when disaster strikes. Her father, Franklyn, with his usual impeccable timing, has keeled over and died.
For some members of the family, his wife Hazel, for example, Franklyn's death is not the great loss it first appears to be. But when his toxic and inexplicable will is read out, it becomes clear that long-buried secrets are about to surface, starting with the astonishing reappearance of Hazel's long-lost sister.
Indeed, Franklyn's death sets in motion a chain of events that will cause three generations of Gifford family women to question everything they hold dear - their relationships, their loyalties, even their identities. Until, that is, they choose to fight back against their dark inheritance...
A clever, sympathetic, and thought-provoking look at how a legacy of lies can seep through the generations and poison all it touches, and how the truth can set you free.
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Published October 7, 2020
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About the author
Tricia Stringer
28 books384 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
July 21, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Hello, Hazel.'
The gentle voice startled her. She spun and the room seemed to spin with her as if everything was suddenly slightly off kilter. She stuck out a hand and gripped the back of a chair. The woman before her had been the one she'd noticed talking to Father Donnelly earlier. Hazel hadn't recognized her from the distance but now, here, right in front of her . . . those eyes . . .
'Are you all right?' The woman gripped her arm and edged her to the chair.
'What are you doing here?' Hazel's words came out in a croak.
'I've come to see you and . . .' The woman stood back a little and glanced around. 'Your family.'
Hazel looked around too but everyone was busy packing up and taking no notice. She got back to her feet, pushed away the hand that still rested on her arm. She had to end this before her daughters came back.
'You keep away from my family. They've had enough for one day.'
The woman hesitated, looked at her pityingly. 'He's gone now, Hazel.'
'I know that,' Hazel hissed, her heart beating faster. 'But they don't know about you.' She could hear footsteps coming closer across the wooden floor. She didn't dare look around. It was bound to be one of her daughters.
'We can start afresh.'
'We cannot.'
'Hello?' It was Felicity who'd stepped up beside her mother.
'Who are you?' June asked.
'My name is Alice Pollard.' The woman smiled at each of them.
Hazel's heart beat so fast and her head pounded so hard she thought herself in danger of having a stroke like the one that had killed her husband.
'I've just farewelled my husband . . . this is not the time.'
'For what, Mum?' It was June's sharp voice again. 'What's going on?'
Alice fixed her gaze on Hazel. 'I'm Alice Pollard nee Jones . . . your mother's sister.'
ABOUT 'THE FAMILY INHERITANCE': Felicity Lewis's fiftieth birthday party in her newly renovated home, loving husband and daughter Greta by her side, is going off with a bang when disaster strikes. Her father, Franklyn, with his usual impeccable timing, has keeled over and died.
For some members of the family, his wife Hazel for example, Franklyn's death is not the great loss it first appears to be. But when his toxic and inexplicable will is read out, it becomes clear that long-buried secrets are about to surface, starting with the astonishing reappearance of Hazel's long-lost sister.
Indeed, Franklyn's death sets in motion a chain of events that will cause three generations of Gifford family women to question everything they hold dear - their relationships, their loyalties, even their identities. Until, that is, they choose to fight back against their dark inheritance ...
MY THOUGHTS: An absolutely delicious family saga full of decades old secrets and the lies that are perpetuated to keep those secrets.
I loved this story of four women whose lives are turned upside down when the family patriarch dies and his will is read. Believe me, you will love to hate Franklyn Gifford, a miserable old git who has found a way to maintain control over his family even after his death.
His widow Hazel is secretly relieved by his death, believing herself to be free for the first time since she married him. But Franklyn has other plans for her, his will leaving Hazel almost destitute, and her family ripped apart.
The story is told from the points of view of four women: Hazel, the widow; her estranged sister Alice; Hazel's younger daughter, Felicity; and Felicity's daughter, Greta, all of whom are facing a watershed moment in their lives.
The characters are totally relatable with a good mix of traits. There are characters that you will root for, characters that you will worry about, and one or two that are eminently dislikeable. Stringer makes good use of the weapon of inherited money, the rifts it causes, and the greed that becomes evident at times like these.
I would have liked for the furore that I imagine would have occurred when Hazel contests the will to have been included as I can't see June and her husband meekly accepting Hazel's decision, but the whole situation is skipped, which is my only, and minor, criticism.
The Family Inheritance is a well written, moving family saga with a tightly woven plot that kept me absorbed from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheFamilyInheritance
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of The Family Inheritance by Tricia Stringer published by HQ Fiction from the Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The gentle voice startled her. She spun and the room seemed to spin with her as if everything was suddenly slightly off kilter. She stuck out a hand and gripped the back of a chair. The woman before her had been the one she'd noticed talking to Father Donnelly earlier. Hazel hadn't recognized her from the distance but now, here, right in front of her . . . those eyes . . .
'Are you all right?' The woman gripped her arm and edged her to the chair.
'What are you doing here?' Hazel's words came out in a croak.
'I've come to see you and . . .' The woman stood back a little and glanced around. 'Your family.'
Hazel looked around too but everyone was busy packing up and taking no notice. She got back to her feet, pushed away the hand that still rested on her arm. She had to end this before her daughters came back.
'You keep away from my family. They've had enough for one day.'
The woman hesitated, looked at her pityingly. 'He's gone now, Hazel.'
'I know that,' Hazel hissed, her heart beating faster. 'But they don't know about you.' She could hear footsteps coming closer across the wooden floor. She didn't dare look around. It was bound to be one of her daughters.
'We can start afresh.'
'We cannot.'
'Hello?' It was Felicity who'd stepped up beside her mother.
'Who are you?' June asked.
'My name is Alice Pollard.' The woman smiled at each of them.
Hazel's heart beat so fast and her head pounded so hard she thought herself in danger of having a stroke like the one that had killed her husband.
'I've just farewelled my husband . . . this is not the time.'
'For what, Mum?' It was June's sharp voice again. 'What's going on?'
Alice fixed her gaze on Hazel. 'I'm Alice Pollard nee Jones . . . your mother's sister.'
ABOUT 'THE FAMILY INHERITANCE': Felicity Lewis's fiftieth birthday party in her newly renovated home, loving husband and daughter Greta by her side, is going off with a bang when disaster strikes. Her father, Franklyn, with his usual impeccable timing, has keeled over and died.
For some members of the family, his wife Hazel for example, Franklyn's death is not the great loss it first appears to be. But when his toxic and inexplicable will is read out, it becomes clear that long-buried secrets are about to surface, starting with the astonishing reappearance of Hazel's long-lost sister.
Indeed, Franklyn's death sets in motion a chain of events that will cause three generations of Gifford family women to question everything they hold dear - their relationships, their loyalties, even their identities. Until, that is, they choose to fight back against their dark inheritance ...
MY THOUGHTS: An absolutely delicious family saga full of decades old secrets and the lies that are perpetuated to keep those secrets.
I loved this story of four women whose lives are turned upside down when the family patriarch dies and his will is read. Believe me, you will love to hate Franklyn Gifford, a miserable old git who has found a way to maintain control over his family even after his death.
His widow Hazel is secretly relieved by his death, believing herself to be free for the first time since she married him. But Franklyn has other plans for her, his will leaving Hazel almost destitute, and her family ripped apart.
The story is told from the points of view of four women: Hazel, the widow; her estranged sister Alice; Hazel's younger daughter, Felicity; and Felicity's daughter, Greta, all of whom are facing a watershed moment in their lives.
The characters are totally relatable with a good mix of traits. There are characters that you will root for, characters that you will worry about, and one or two that are eminently dislikeable. Stringer makes good use of the weapon of inherited money, the rifts it causes, and the greed that becomes evident at times like these.
I would have liked for the furore that I imagine would have occurred when Hazel contests the will to have been included as I can't see June and her husband meekly accepting Hazel's decision, but the whole situation is skipped, which is my only, and minor, criticism.
The Family Inheritance is a well written, moving family saga with a tightly woven plot that kept me absorbed from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheFamilyInheritance
I: @triciastringerauthor @hqstories
T: @tricia_stringer @HQstories
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed a copy of The Family Inheritance by Tricia Stringer published by HQ Fiction from the Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 8, 2020
Felicity Lewis was celebrating her fiftieth birthday, along with the completion of their renovations with her husband Ian, daughter Greta, sister June and family, and a lot of friends. Felicity’s parents hadn’t yet arrived and she knew it would be her father holding things up, but she didn’t expect the phone call from her mum, Hazel, during the festivities, which said her father was dead. Franklyn had been in ill health for some time, but no one had expected it quite so soon.
With the funeral over - Hazel’s long estranged sister Alice had appeared! - and the will to be read, the shock which echoed around the room was devastating. It seemed that Franklyn was going to continue to manipulate and control his family from the grave. The long-held secrets that Franklyn chose to partially reveal, shattering his family members, wasn’t everything. There was more to come, and before it was all over, the women of the family – Hazel, Alice, June, Felicity and Greta – were confused, hurt, disillusioned and heartbroken. Would the revelations break the family apart – or make them all stronger?
The Family Inheritance by Aussie author Tricia Stringer was a wonderful story of a family under immense stress; of betrayal by a person who wasn’t who he seemed; of lies and secrets slowly revealed. My favourite characters were Greta, and Alice. The author wrote the characters with depth; they were convincing – and I really didn’t like Felicity! I always enjoy Ms Stringer’s writing and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the funeral over - Hazel’s long estranged sister Alice had appeared! - and the will to be read, the shock which echoed around the room was devastating. It seemed that Franklyn was going to continue to manipulate and control his family from the grave. The long-held secrets that Franklyn chose to partially reveal, shattering his family members, wasn’t everything. There was more to come, and before it was all over, the women of the family – Hazel, Alice, June, Felicity and Greta – were confused, hurt, disillusioned and heartbroken. Would the revelations break the family apart – or make them all stronger?
The Family Inheritance by Aussie author Tricia Stringer was a wonderful story of a family under immense stress; of betrayal by a person who wasn’t who he seemed; of lies and secrets slowly revealed. My favourite characters were Greta, and Alice. The author wrote the characters with depth; they were convincing – and I really didn’t like Felicity! I always enjoy Ms Stringer’s writing and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
Felicity Lewis is turning fifty, it’s the night of her birthday party and she’s hosting it at her home at West Beach in Adelaide. She lives with her husband Ian; she just spent six months renovating their house and its picture perfect. To say her birthday party was a downright disaster isn’t exaggerating, her mum Hazel and her dad Franklyn are running late. Hazel finally calls and Felicity has no idea her world is never going to be the same and her life is going to be turned upside down. Franklyn has died, he lay down to have a nap and passed away in his sleep. We discover Felicity’s husband Ian is a selfish man, he has been planning on leaving Felicity for months but he hadn’t got around to telling her yet, he leaves her despite Felicity’s father just passing away and she's an emotional wreck and a crying mess.
Hazel Gifford has kept her feelings hidden for years and she’s not at all upset her husband has died. Being married to him hasn’t been easy and she had to accept early in their relationship when a woman marries her husband he's the head of the household and he controls everything. We now have a name for what Franklyn did to Hazel and it’s called mental and physical abuse, he wanted her all for himself, he removed anyone who got in his way, her friends and especially close family. Even from the grave, Franklyn still made sure he was still in control and the reading of his will was full of startling revelations for the entire family.
As you read the story you discover lies and deceit has been a part of the family’s past and for generations. Greta Lewis is Hazel’s granddaughter she begins to question her own relationships, she’s shocked her parents are separating, she had no idea how unhappy her Nana was, how her Pop treated her and is her own boyfriend Joe controlling? A woman called Alice attended her grandfather’s funeral, her Nana’s reaction to seeing her was extreme anger and it makes the whole family’s situation even more dramatic.
Tricia Stringer has written a story full of surprises; it really makes you think about all aspects of life including relationships, love, family, death, greed, and on what grounds can you contest a will? I had a real giggle about middle aged men wearing Lycra, you really don’t know where to look and it’s so funny. Five stars from me and thanks to Harlequin Australia for my copy. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Hazel Gifford has kept her feelings hidden for years and she’s not at all upset her husband has died. Being married to him hasn’t been easy and she had to accept early in their relationship when a woman marries her husband he's the head of the household and he controls everything. We now have a name for what Franklyn did to Hazel and it’s called mental and physical abuse, he wanted her all for himself, he removed anyone who got in his way, her friends and especially close family. Even from the grave, Franklyn still made sure he was still in control and the reading of his will was full of startling revelations for the entire family.
As you read the story you discover lies and deceit has been a part of the family’s past and for generations. Greta Lewis is Hazel’s granddaughter she begins to question her own relationships, she’s shocked her parents are separating, she had no idea how unhappy her Nana was, how her Pop treated her and is her own boyfriend Joe controlling? A woman called Alice attended her grandfather’s funeral, her Nana’s reaction to seeing her was extreme anger and it makes the whole family’s situation even more dramatic.
Tricia Stringer has written a story full of surprises; it really makes you think about all aspects of life including relationships, love, family, death, greed, and on what grounds can you contest a will? I had a real giggle about middle aged men wearing Lycra, you really don’t know where to look and it’s so funny. Five stars from me and thanks to Harlequin Australia for my copy. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 24, 2020
This is the second book I have read by Tricia Stringer and I feel very safe in her hands. The Family Inheritance is a book full of family drama, heart break, betrayal, love and friendship. It tells of four women, Felicity who is celebrating her 50th birthday, Greta her 24 year old daughter who is engaged and having doubts about her partner Joe, Hazel (Felicity's mother) who lives firmly under the thumb of her domineering husband and Alice, a lonely widow in her 60's who has lost her husband and is childless.
In a tragic series of events these women are brought together and then burst apart in a tidal wave of tears and anger. As they push apart to deal with their demons, Alice and Greta seem to hold the key to bringing them all back together again. I was totally engrossed in the drama that played out and the very real and relatable issues that each of them faced.
This is great chick-lit, it is told with humour, despair and compassion. I laughed out loud in parts and quietly sniffled into a tissue in others. The only thing stopping it being the full five stars was how quickly the loose ends all came together in a satisfying, but almost too sugary ending.
Thank you Harlequin Australia, HQ &MIRA and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
In a tragic series of events these women are brought together and then burst apart in a tidal wave of tears and anger. As they push apart to deal with their demons, Alice and Greta seem to hold the key to bringing them all back together again. I was totally engrossed in the drama that played out and the very real and relatable issues that each of them faced.
This is great chick-lit, it is told with humour, despair and compassion. I laughed out loud in parts and quietly sniffled into a tissue in others. The only thing stopping it being the full five stars was how quickly the loose ends all came together in a satisfying, but almost too sugary ending.
Thank you Harlequin Australia, HQ &MIRA and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 22, 2021
Another very well told story from Tricia Stringer, this author really knows how to dig deep into family and bring a story to her readers that is compelling and filled with all of the emotions, this one starts with a death and a will that will cause an explosion of feelings and hurts, can the woman that are part of this family work through this and find happiness again? Come along for the journey and meet Hazel, Alice, Felicity and Greta but don’t plan on doing anything else till the book is finished.
It is Felicity’s fiftieth birthday and she has worked hard to make sure the party is perfect in her fabulously renovated home, she has her husband Ian and daughter Greta by her side but things turn around when her father Franklyn dies changing everything, life as Felicity knows it is gone her world falls apart very quickly.
Hazel is Franklyn’s wife and Felicity and June’s mother and Franklyn’s death is leaving her very relieved instead of distraught like everyone would think. He has been a very hard man to live with for all of these years. When his will is read it is toxic to say the least and not only makes her realize what a bully he was but he destroys other lives as well.
Alice sees Franklyn’s death notice in the paper and finally she can try to make peace with her long lost sister Hazel, turning up at his funeral was maybe not the best thing to do but it was her only way to make contact and there are many truths and secrets that need to be uncovered for them to even think about a future.
Greta, Hazel’s beautiful granddaughter is engaged to Joe, she is caring and loving and when the family explodes as it does she is there to play peacemaker and do her best to keep the family together through some very hard times, can hearts be mended after the way they have been broken, can they once again become a loving happy family?
I loved this story from start to finish four strong woman whose lives are turned upside down and I loved getting to know them as I turned the pages, the emotions flowed happy, sad, anger all of them, there were happy tears as well, MS Stringer has a beautiful voice for story- telling and this is one that I would highly recommend, a beautiful story, another one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
It is Felicity’s fiftieth birthday and she has worked hard to make sure the party is perfect in her fabulously renovated home, she has her husband Ian and daughter Greta by her side but things turn around when her father Franklyn dies changing everything, life as Felicity knows it is gone her world falls apart very quickly.
Hazel is Franklyn’s wife and Felicity and June’s mother and Franklyn’s death is leaving her very relieved instead of distraught like everyone would think. He has been a very hard man to live with for all of these years. When his will is read it is toxic to say the least and not only makes her realize what a bully he was but he destroys other lives as well.
Alice sees Franklyn’s death notice in the paper and finally she can try to make peace with her long lost sister Hazel, turning up at his funeral was maybe not the best thing to do but it was her only way to make contact and there are many truths and secrets that need to be uncovered for them to even think about a future.
Greta, Hazel’s beautiful granddaughter is engaged to Joe, she is caring and loving and when the family explodes as it does she is there to play peacemaker and do her best to keep the family together through some very hard times, can hearts be mended after the way they have been broken, can they once again become a loving happy family?
I loved this story from start to finish four strong woman whose lives are turned upside down and I loved getting to know them as I turned the pages, the emotions flowed happy, sad, anger all of them, there were happy tears as well, MS Stringer has a beautiful voice for story- telling and this is one that I would highly recommend, a beautiful story, another one for the keeper shelf.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
February 3, 2021
Four and a half stars
Felicity Lewis’s 50th birthday party celebration in the home she has worked so hard to renovate, turns into a nightmare when she receives the news her father Franklyn has died. But that is not the worst of it. More shocks follow that rock both Felicity’s life and that of Franklyn’s long suffering wife Hazel Gifford. The appearance at the funeral f her long estranged younger sister Alice is unexpected and disturbing. But the Will throws even more complications into the Gifford family, The will, when read creates all sorts of tensions and problems, no one ever expected. It leads to three generations of Gifford women their Relationships, loyalties and even identities are thrown into chaos as Felicity, her daughter Greta and Franklyn’s widow Hazel seek to deal with the secrets revealed.
Set in South Australia this is an extremely readable family story. As well as dealing with the issues of these three women, it shows the way people react when a will and money and property is involved. Along with the story of family there is romance and the issue of emotional abuse is explored. Alice and Greta were my favourite characters, though all were well portrayed. Some were not so likeable in the way they treated others.
My only real quibble is the way things fell into place rather too quickly towards the end. But, that aside, this was an engaging story with true to life characters and great setting. Another terrific Aussie read.
Felicity Lewis’s 50th birthday party celebration in the home she has worked so hard to renovate, turns into a nightmare when she receives the news her father Franklyn has died. But that is not the worst of it. More shocks follow that rock both Felicity’s life and that of Franklyn’s long suffering wife Hazel Gifford. The appearance at the funeral f her long estranged younger sister Alice is unexpected and disturbing. But the Will throws even more complications into the Gifford family, The will, when read creates all sorts of tensions and problems, no one ever expected. It leads to three generations of Gifford women their Relationships, loyalties and even identities are thrown into chaos as Felicity, her daughter Greta and Franklyn’s widow Hazel seek to deal with the secrets revealed.
Set in South Australia this is an extremely readable family story. As well as dealing with the issues of these three women, it shows the way people react when a will and money and property is involved. Along with the story of family there is romance and the issue of emotional abuse is explored. Alice and Greta were my favourite characters, though all were well portrayed. Some were not so likeable in the way they treated others.
My only real quibble is the way things fell into place rather too quickly towards the end. But, that aside, this was an engaging story with true to life characters and great setting. Another terrific Aussie read.
November 25, 2020
⭐️4 .5 Stars⭐️
The Family Inheritance by Tricia Stringer is a well written family saga that tells the story of four strong women.
Felicity Lewis is hosting and celebrating her 50th birthday which has been meticulously planned at her beautiful Adelaide home. Her parents haven’t yet arrived, but then she receives an unexpected phone call from Hazel her mother telling her that her father Franklyn is dead.
At the funeral Alice, an estranged relative appears which angers Hazel, Franklyn's wife. Once the will is read there is shock around the room and it seems Franklyn is manipulate and controlling even in death. Secrets are revealed that shatter the family but will it break them apart? Felicity's world is turned upside down by further devastating events and she strains to hold it together.
Greta who is Felicity’s daughter begins to question her own relationship with her fiancé Joe Will she be able to marry him and also pursue her dream of becoming a pilot?
The strong female characters are very relatable and real and you are drawn into their heartbreaks, love and friendships. I loved Greta & Alice’s character’s. Recommended read, unputdownable.
I wish to thank NetGalley & HQ Fiction for an advanced copy in return for an honest review
The Family Inheritance by Tricia Stringer is a well written family saga that tells the story of four strong women.
Felicity Lewis is hosting and celebrating her 50th birthday which has been meticulously planned at her beautiful Adelaide home. Her parents haven’t yet arrived, but then she receives an unexpected phone call from Hazel her mother telling her that her father Franklyn is dead.
At the funeral Alice, an estranged relative appears which angers Hazel, Franklyn's wife. Once the will is read there is shock around the room and it seems Franklyn is manipulate and controlling even in death. Secrets are revealed that shatter the family but will it break them apart? Felicity's world is turned upside down by further devastating events and she strains to hold it together.
Greta who is Felicity’s daughter begins to question her own relationship with her fiancé Joe Will she be able to marry him and also pursue her dream of becoming a pilot?
The strong female characters are very relatable and real and you are drawn into their heartbreaks, love and friendships. I loved Greta & Alice’s character’s. Recommended read, unputdownable.
I wish to thank NetGalley & HQ Fiction for an advanced copy in return for an honest review
November 15, 2020
Secrets, betrayal and the power of family!
What an interesting read! The lives of three generations of women are thrown into turmoil by patriarch Franklyn’s will. I was enjoying the read and then there was The Will! Franklyn’s death (and the will) set in motion a chain reaction of events that cannot be reversed, and the consequences have to be dealt with by everyone. Such a clever way to weave the tragedies, traumas and tales of this family together!
The Gifford women are strong, delightful and intriguing characters who will not be easily forgotten!
What an interesting read! The lives of three generations of women are thrown into turmoil by patriarch Franklyn’s will. I was enjoying the read and then there was The Will! Franklyn’s death (and the will) set in motion a chain reaction of events that cannot be reversed, and the consequences have to be dealt with by everyone. Such a clever way to weave the tragedies, traumas and tales of this family together!
The Gifford women are strong, delightful and intriguing characters who will not be easily forgotten!
September 27, 2020
When a malicious will disrupts a family, lies, secrets and betrayal are about to be exposed.
Felicity Lewis is celebrating her 50th with family and friends when tragic news arrives.
Her controlling father Franklyn has died.
For numerous members of the family his death is no great loss.
After the reading of the will it becomes apparent that there’s many things that have been kept hidden.
Now a chain of events will change everything for three generations of women in this family and long buried secrets will be revealed.
Exploring family dynamics, values, death, greed, relationships and even financial abuse, these are just some of the issues Tricia explores in this narrative.
The plot is engaging, relatable and honest and one that includes real everyday issues, problems and situations.
A highly recommended book that deals with the exploration of family inheritance’s and all the baggage and drama that comes with it.
Tricia is definitely a mistress of her craft, this polished and stunningly written saga shows that everything is not always perfect behind closed doors and Tricia is not afraid to write about the dark side of relationships.
There’s no doubt that Tricia is a leader in the contemporary fiction genre.
December 11, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Her husband was dead and she’d imagined with his passing there’d be freedom. She never dreamed he would still be in control of her life from the grave.’
Tackling the drama and fallout of a contentious family will is the central focus of Australian author Tricia Stringer’s new release, The Family Inheritance. A story of secrets, lies and betrayal, Tricia Stringer displays her strong ability to get to the heart of a range of issues faced by families in contemporary life. The Family Inheritance is another sincere and reflective novel from bestselling author Tricia Stringer.
When the Gifford family join together to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Felicity, they don’t bank on losing the patriarch of their family, Franklyn. This shock loss comes with some unexpected and unfavorable news, involving Franklyn’s will. In a terrible turn of events, Franklyn leaves behind a bitter trail of family destruction following his loss. With secrets finally aired, old faces reappearing and confusion over the distribution of Franklyn’s assets all causing plenty of friction, the Gifford family are at odds. With each member of this family questioning their motives, entitlements and loyalties, it becomes clear that they must join together in their fight again this dour inheritance. Will their relationships withstand this tough test?
Relationships, family, secrets, betrayals, lies and legacies are all Tricia Stringer’s specialty. With Stringer’s experience across a number of genres from rural romance, historical fiction and contemporary life literature, this talented writer can always be relied upon to produce a top notch read. The Family Inheritance represents another solid addition to the Tricia Stringer collection.
I really appreciated how The Family Inheritance began with the shock loss of the male head of the family at a pinnacle family celebration. Franklyn’s death does kick start a chain of events that forms the basis of this novel’s narrative direction. With plenty of core issues, disappointments, revelations, withheld truths and injustices circulating around Franklyn’s death, it certainly added plenty of early drama to this set piece. The fallout from Franklyn’s harmful will has far reaching implications for the whole Gifford family fold. The results from this noxious inheritance was really interesting to follow from a reader’s point of view. I would hate to have faced the same challenges as the Gifford clan! There was certainly a good dose of realism to this tale, that many readers will be able to sympathise with quite readily. The Family Inheritance is definitely an accessible, in touch and embracing tale.
Stringer has a good handle on her character set. Stringer is able to inhabit the voices of three different generations of the focal family of her novel. Teasing out the inner issues, feelings, emotions, worries and hopes of this colourful family set, Stringer has presented a comprehensive tale of the demands faced by a typical modern Australian family. The dialogue in this novel never felt forced, it flowed with a natural sense of ease that effortlessly draws in the audience, so a strong level of comfort is achieved. I know I found it hard to cut ties with the Gifford family once The Family Inheritance reached its conclusion. I also appreciated the honest glimpse into such problems as financial injustice, relationship dissatisfaction, identity, birthright, strained relations and loss. Combined with the overarching theme of inheritance conflicts, The Family Inheritance offers a candid view of a family under duress.
Tricia Stringer is an intuitive and tender-hearted storyteller who displays a real ability to interrogate issues that affect families and individuals. The Family Inheritance is another gratifying read from Tricia Stringer.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Family Inheritance is book #131 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Her husband was dead and she’d imagined with his passing there’d be freedom. She never dreamed he would still be in control of her life from the grave.’
Tackling the drama and fallout of a contentious family will is the central focus of Australian author Tricia Stringer’s new release, The Family Inheritance. A story of secrets, lies and betrayal, Tricia Stringer displays her strong ability to get to the heart of a range of issues faced by families in contemporary life. The Family Inheritance is another sincere and reflective novel from bestselling author Tricia Stringer.
When the Gifford family join together to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Felicity, they don’t bank on losing the patriarch of their family, Franklyn. This shock loss comes with some unexpected and unfavorable news, involving Franklyn’s will. In a terrible turn of events, Franklyn leaves behind a bitter trail of family destruction following his loss. With secrets finally aired, old faces reappearing and confusion over the distribution of Franklyn’s assets all causing plenty of friction, the Gifford family are at odds. With each member of this family questioning their motives, entitlements and loyalties, it becomes clear that they must join together in their fight again this dour inheritance. Will their relationships withstand this tough test?
Relationships, family, secrets, betrayals, lies and legacies are all Tricia Stringer’s specialty. With Stringer’s experience across a number of genres from rural romance, historical fiction and contemporary life literature, this talented writer can always be relied upon to produce a top notch read. The Family Inheritance represents another solid addition to the Tricia Stringer collection.
I really appreciated how The Family Inheritance began with the shock loss of the male head of the family at a pinnacle family celebration. Franklyn’s death does kick start a chain of events that forms the basis of this novel’s narrative direction. With plenty of core issues, disappointments, revelations, withheld truths and injustices circulating around Franklyn’s death, it certainly added plenty of early drama to this set piece. The fallout from Franklyn’s harmful will has far reaching implications for the whole Gifford family fold. The results from this noxious inheritance was really interesting to follow from a reader’s point of view. I would hate to have faced the same challenges as the Gifford clan! There was certainly a good dose of realism to this tale, that many readers will be able to sympathise with quite readily. The Family Inheritance is definitely an accessible, in touch and embracing tale.
Stringer has a good handle on her character set. Stringer is able to inhabit the voices of three different generations of the focal family of her novel. Teasing out the inner issues, feelings, emotions, worries and hopes of this colourful family set, Stringer has presented a comprehensive tale of the demands faced by a typical modern Australian family. The dialogue in this novel never felt forced, it flowed with a natural sense of ease that effortlessly draws in the audience, so a strong level of comfort is achieved. I know I found it hard to cut ties with the Gifford family once The Family Inheritance reached its conclusion. I also appreciated the honest glimpse into such problems as financial injustice, relationship dissatisfaction, identity, birthright, strained relations and loss. Combined with the overarching theme of inheritance conflicts, The Family Inheritance offers a candid view of a family under duress.
Tricia Stringer is an intuitive and tender-hearted storyteller who displays a real ability to interrogate issues that affect families and individuals. The Family Inheritance is another gratifying read from Tricia Stringer.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Family Inheritance is book #131 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 26, 2020
I whipped through this book... it was so compelling, so relatable and so upsetting (in a way that makes the happy ending very satisfying)! A wonderful drama about new beginnings. Tricia Stringer is a master of the genre and she had me hooked.
September 11, 2020
‘It’s your father.’
Felicity Lewis’s fiftieth birthday party has been meticulously planned to the last detail and seems to be going well. It is an opportunity, as well, to show off the home that she and her husband Ian have recently renovated. And then Felicity receives a call from her mother, Hazel. Her father, Franklyn, has died. His death sets of a series of events, taking Hazel back into the past, and changing the lives of her daughters June and Felicity and granddaughter Greta.
Hazel may have hoped to be free from Franklyn’s controlling, misogynistic behaviour, but his will ensures that his control is exerted beyond the grave. Franklyn has set conditions which threaten to tear the family apart as long-held secrets are exposed. Hazel’s long estranged sister Alice attends Franklyn’s funeral, but Hazel wants nothing to do with her. Why?
Felicity’s life becomes further complicated, and Greta must make some choices of her own. June wants to control Hazel’s life, but Hazel takes tentative steps to find her own way.
Once I picked this novel up, I found it extremely hard to put down. I needed to know how it would end, whether Felicity would find what she needed, whether Hazel would accept Alice, and what choice would Greta make? I also wanted to understand why Hazel had accepted the control exerted by Franklyn, and whether she could resist June’s attempts to control her future.
I enjoyed this novel, with its well-defined characters and challenging family relationship issues.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Felicity Lewis’s fiftieth birthday party has been meticulously planned to the last detail and seems to be going well. It is an opportunity, as well, to show off the home that she and her husband Ian have recently renovated. And then Felicity receives a call from her mother, Hazel. Her father, Franklyn, has died. His death sets of a series of events, taking Hazel back into the past, and changing the lives of her daughters June and Felicity and granddaughter Greta.
Hazel may have hoped to be free from Franklyn’s controlling, misogynistic behaviour, but his will ensures that his control is exerted beyond the grave. Franklyn has set conditions which threaten to tear the family apart as long-held secrets are exposed. Hazel’s long estranged sister Alice attends Franklyn’s funeral, but Hazel wants nothing to do with her. Why?
Felicity’s life becomes further complicated, and Greta must make some choices of her own. June wants to control Hazel’s life, but Hazel takes tentative steps to find her own way.
Once I picked this novel up, I found it extremely hard to put down. I needed to know how it would end, whether Felicity would find what she needed, whether Hazel would accept Alice, and what choice would Greta make? I also wanted to understand why Hazel had accepted the control exerted by Franklyn, and whether she could resist June’s attempts to control her future.
I enjoyed this novel, with its well-defined characters and challenging family relationship issues.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 3, 2021
This book was a really good family saga which covered many relatable issues and had a wonderful cast of characters with the exception of one person and that was Franklyn. You see Franklyn passes away suddenly and the toxic will he leaves behind leaves a lot to be desired. I did not like him at all! You'll have to read the book to find out why. Many other people have given a very good and detailed synopsis, so I'll skip that and just let you know that the story captured my attention from the very beginning. And for me, it was one of those books that every time you put it down you were thinking about it and couldn't wait to get back to it as you really wanted to know what was going to happen next. Don't you love a book that has you totally absorbed in it. I do. This was a fabulous read and I can highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 6, 2020Always enjoy a book about the tricky issue of inheritance !
September 21, 2020
There’s nothing like a family squabble to set the juices flowing. But in THE FAMILY INHERITANCE, main character Felicity is handed more than her fair share of drama in the opening scenes. I really could not put this book down and raced back to the pages at every opportunity. I’m not sure if it's because there are so many connections I could make due to experience, age and gender, or that the easy flowing style and undulating narrative pace of Tricia’s novels just keeps the perfect amount of intrigue to whet my appetite. Either way, this book is a winner for me. A story about a legacy of lies and its effects on a family is hard to trump.
Felicity is celebrating her significant number birthday and all is well. Her newly renovated home is shining like a diamond and her adult daughter, Greta and close-to-retirement husband, Ian are there beside her. But straight away we are thrown into Felicity’s drama — her difficult father, Franklyn, and mother Hazel have not arrived — and from the beginning her father’s menace is sensed. We soon discover that the women in this family fare the worst. The act of Franklyn’s death and the conditions he has enforced in his will, serve to keep his family tightly in his grip even after his death. But Felicity’s life moves from one agonising shock to another, and soon the person she believed herself to be is in question.
Her mother, Hazel is the terrific model of a long-suffering wife who has been controlled by the actions of a misogynist husband. While Hazel’s guilt at finding release in her husband’s death is an unusual but understandable sensation, it’s the immediate reaction of eldest daughter, June, that urges Hazel to display her inner fortitude. Hazel is irritated by June’s sudden reverse role position — her ‘mothering’ and control that mirrors Franklyn’s behaviour. Hazel refuses to be subjected to social exclusion in old age, or to continue to be told what to do. Vastly different to her relationship with Franklyn, a new friendship with the sweet and supportive Jack blooms. But a chasm driven between Hazel and her daughter Felicity grows wider.
Felicity’s daughter, Greta, becomes the driving force of the narrative as she witnesses the social and emotional pressures the women in the family are forced to adhere to. She struggles with doubt in her own relationship— her desire to fly, is at odds with her lovely fiancé Joe’s insistence on financial security and marriage. As Greta’s family continue to fall apart, she sees her mother and grandmother have been caught in the vacuum of her grandfather’s arrogance, and that it will drive the older women into financial poverty. But Greta becomes the glue to keep them together, the go-between who navigates the paths between each member of her family and the fallout they have suffered —she desperately tries to mend their severed relationships.
The light in this entire story for me is Alice. This beautiful older woman is so open and welcoming to the family she has been a recluse from for her adult life. I loved her portrayal as independent but insular, living a quiet life on the outskirts of town, peaceful and serene. But it’s Alice who gently works to reunite with Hazel, and has the inner strength to pull Felicity from despair.
The men in this story have a lesser role, but their influence is noticeable. I would have liked a little more of Tony, the builder friend of Felicity’s, but it’s the women’s relationships that this story develops. Felicity’s husband and his actions were predictably irritating and reprehensible — perhaps just a little too close to truth than I cared for.
Most importantly, this book explores the restrictions women can be faced with from the time of marriage onwards. It looks at the various financial concerns they face in relationships and then at every stage of their lives. Its sensitive address of financial abuse, of elder abuse and the significant economic disadvantages that older women face and fall victim to, is clear and compelling. Sadly, this is not just something that happened to generations of the past.
There is no doubt that THE FAMILY INHERITANCE perfectly displays the expertise of Tricia Stringer’s writing. She’s a wonderful author whose books are a delight in every way. These characters are vivid, the day-to-day life concerns are simplistic, yet highly emotive, and this type of family relationship could be happening to a family next door —in fact, more than likely, it probably is!
Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
#NetGalley #TriciaStringer #HarperCollinsAus #TheFamilyInheritance
Felicity is celebrating her significant number birthday and all is well. Her newly renovated home is shining like a diamond and her adult daughter, Greta and close-to-retirement husband, Ian are there beside her. But straight away we are thrown into Felicity’s drama — her difficult father, Franklyn, and mother Hazel have not arrived — and from the beginning her father’s menace is sensed. We soon discover that the women in this family fare the worst. The act of Franklyn’s death and the conditions he has enforced in his will, serve to keep his family tightly in his grip even after his death. But Felicity’s life moves from one agonising shock to another, and soon the person she believed herself to be is in question.
Her mother, Hazel is the terrific model of a long-suffering wife who has been controlled by the actions of a misogynist husband. While Hazel’s guilt at finding release in her husband’s death is an unusual but understandable sensation, it’s the immediate reaction of eldest daughter, June, that urges Hazel to display her inner fortitude. Hazel is irritated by June’s sudden reverse role position — her ‘mothering’ and control that mirrors Franklyn’s behaviour. Hazel refuses to be subjected to social exclusion in old age, or to continue to be told what to do. Vastly different to her relationship with Franklyn, a new friendship with the sweet and supportive Jack blooms. But a chasm driven between Hazel and her daughter Felicity grows wider.
Felicity’s daughter, Greta, becomes the driving force of the narrative as she witnesses the social and emotional pressures the women in the family are forced to adhere to. She struggles with doubt in her own relationship— her desire to fly, is at odds with her lovely fiancé Joe’s insistence on financial security and marriage. As Greta’s family continue to fall apart, she sees her mother and grandmother have been caught in the vacuum of her grandfather’s arrogance, and that it will drive the older women into financial poverty. But Greta becomes the glue to keep them together, the go-between who navigates the paths between each member of her family and the fallout they have suffered —she desperately tries to mend their severed relationships.
The light in this entire story for me is Alice. This beautiful older woman is so open and welcoming to the family she has been a recluse from for her adult life. I loved her portrayal as independent but insular, living a quiet life on the outskirts of town, peaceful and serene. But it’s Alice who gently works to reunite with Hazel, and has the inner strength to pull Felicity from despair.
The men in this story have a lesser role, but their influence is noticeable. I would have liked a little more of Tony, the builder friend of Felicity’s, but it’s the women’s relationships that this story develops. Felicity’s husband and his actions were predictably irritating and reprehensible — perhaps just a little too close to truth than I cared for.
Most importantly, this book explores the restrictions women can be faced with from the time of marriage onwards. It looks at the various financial concerns they face in relationships and then at every stage of their lives. Its sensitive address of financial abuse, of elder abuse and the significant economic disadvantages that older women face and fall victim to, is clear and compelling. Sadly, this is not just something that happened to generations of the past.
There is no doubt that THE FAMILY INHERITANCE perfectly displays the expertise of Tricia Stringer’s writing. She’s a wonderful author whose books are a delight in every way. These characters are vivid, the day-to-day life concerns are simplistic, yet highly emotive, and this type of family relationship could be happening to a family next door —in fact, more than likely, it probably is!
Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
#NetGalley #TriciaStringer #HarperCollinsAus #TheFamilyInheritance
September 15, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tricia Stringer is a master of family drama. The Family Inheritance follows the story of Felicity, her daughter, Greta and mum, Hazel. Felicity's world is turned upside down in an instant. It begins with her father, Franklyn, passing away on her fiftieth birthday celebration. Upon his passing and when the will is read the family are left with a number of questions about their lives. They question who they are and the bonds of their family life.
Tricia Stringer's characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. I wanted to continue reading about the lives of this family long after finishing the story. I took my time to read this beautifully crafted novel and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
The story brings important issues to the surface that this family must examine. Here is a family who learn a about the secrets kept throughout the three generations. These secrets to uncover in turn teach each character about themselves, how to love and how to trust.
If you enjoyed the TV show Brothers and Sisters, you will love Tricia Stringer's The Family Inheritance and The Model Wife too. Tricia Stringer expertly explores family values, dynamics and the meaning of love. This is a thought provoking and heart wrenching story. I highly recommend this novel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tricia Stringer is a master of family drama. The Family Inheritance follows the story of Felicity, her daughter, Greta and mum, Hazel. Felicity's world is turned upside down in an instant. It begins with her father, Franklyn, passing away on her fiftieth birthday celebration. Upon his passing and when the will is read the family are left with a number of questions about their lives. They question who they are and the bonds of their family life.
Tricia Stringer's characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. I wanted to continue reading about the lives of this family long after finishing the story. I took my time to read this beautifully crafted novel and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
The story brings important issues to the surface that this family must examine. Here is a family who learn a about the secrets kept throughout the three generations. These secrets to uncover in turn teach each character about themselves, how to love and how to trust.
If you enjoyed the TV show Brothers and Sisters, you will love Tricia Stringer's The Family Inheritance and The Model Wife too. Tricia Stringer expertly explores family values, dynamics and the meaning of love. This is a thought provoking and heart wrenching story. I highly recommend this novel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 30, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. The author has done a great job of bridging the generations, giving each character their own voice. The story explains the difference between how abusive relationships were viewed and experienced in the past to now. The experiences of these characters are why our mothers and grandmothers wanted us to have the opportunities we have today.
The book did come across as a bit too educational at times. Relevant to the story but could be refined.
The book did come across as a bit too educational at times. Relevant to the story but could be refined.
November 25, 2020
Not too bad for family-drama genre, not usually my cup of tea.
I thought the conclusion was a bit too neat and the the grandchildren unrealisticly altruistic. And grandmother too greedy. “Greedy” is too harsh, but over-willing to accept others’ generosity.
I thought the conclusion was a bit too neat and the the grandchildren unrealisticly altruistic. And grandmother too greedy. “Greedy” is too harsh, but over-willing to accept others’ generosity.
December 17, 2020
TONIGHT @ 7:30pm AEST I'm chatting to Tricia Stringer to get all the inside goss on writing The Family Inheritance. Join us live for this virtual author talk to try and win a free copy of the book!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChUQh...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChUQh...
September 25, 2021
The Family Inheritance is another enjoyable novel by Tricia Stringer. This family saga, set in South Australia, centres around Felicity Lewis and follows the heartbreak and drama experienced by Felicity and her extended family. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
December 26, 2020
Loved this book from the very first page
October 6, 2020
The Family Inheritance is the latest contemporary book from Australian writer Tricia Stringer. Stringer writes across a variety of genres that include rural, historical and contemporary fiction. My first book by this female author was the contemporary Table For Eight and I have looked forward to each contemporary novel since. The Family Inheritance was a saga that dealt with family, secrets, marriage, anxiety, adoption and emotional abuse in the present time and the 1960s. Told in the third person, Stringer used multiple points of view across the generations to address the various themes. The characters were relatable, the situations heart breaking as this family became my own for a short time.
The matriarch of the family was Hazel. In her twilight years, Hazel was married to the formidable Franklyn. The couple were a product of their times with Hazel being a kept woman and Franklyn the bread winner. Franklyn’s dominating, controlling personality led to emotional abuse, keeping Hazel in her place. It was difficult to get a sense of who Hazel was during her marriage. While their marriage impacted her relationship with her sister Alice, Hazel’s greatest achievements are her daughters, Felicity and June. When Franklyn dies on one of his daughter’s birthday the secrets the married couple have kept for decades are about to fracture their family. Will Hazel find herself? Will Hazels’ family forgive her for the secrets she has kept?
Felicity was the daughter of Hazel, sister to June, the mother of twenty four year old Greta and wife to Ian. While the relationships appeared to be solid, Felicity didn’t realise that there were problems in her marriage. It appeared to be relationship with the usual issues so, I too was floored when Ian made the decision to leave his wife after her fiftieth birthday and the death of her father. To make matters worse, Felicity learns of a family secret that changes her life. While Felicity appeared to be a strong decisive woman, glimpses of her father could be seen in her personality. It was sad to see her fall apart mentally and physically as her world collapsed. Forgiveness is not Felicity’s horizon anytime soon but, will it come at all?
Greta was the only child of Felicity and Ian. Being the only child came with its fair share of burdens.
With her family imploding, Greta was stuck in the middle. Literally. A peace maker, Greta tried to help the various family members mend broken bridges and to move forward. True to life, this was a difficult task and Greta learnt when to step in or when to walk away. I could see glimpses of myself as the young woman was in a committed relationship like I was at that age. Joe had his faults like everyone else but, Greta’s family situation makes her question her relationship. Will the couple get through their first serious test?
The last protagonist was Alice. An elderly widow, Alice had good friends but no family left. When Alice saw the death notice for Frankly in the paper, she made a decision that would change the trajectory of her life.
Filled with strong, passionate women, The Family Inheritance will remind you that every family has its problems. It’s just some are better at keeping them hidden than others!
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to read and review this Australian treasure.
The matriarch of the family was Hazel. In her twilight years, Hazel was married to the formidable Franklyn. The couple were a product of their times with Hazel being a kept woman and Franklyn the bread winner. Franklyn’s dominating, controlling personality led to emotional abuse, keeping Hazel in her place. It was difficult to get a sense of who Hazel was during her marriage. While their marriage impacted her relationship with her sister Alice, Hazel’s greatest achievements are her daughters, Felicity and June. When Franklyn dies on one of his daughter’s birthday the secrets the married couple have kept for decades are about to fracture their family. Will Hazel find herself? Will Hazels’ family forgive her for the secrets she has kept?
Felicity was the daughter of Hazel, sister to June, the mother of twenty four year old Greta and wife to Ian. While the relationships appeared to be solid, Felicity didn’t realise that there were problems in her marriage. It appeared to be relationship with the usual issues so, I too was floored when Ian made the decision to leave his wife after her fiftieth birthday and the death of her father. To make matters worse, Felicity learns of a family secret that changes her life. While Felicity appeared to be a strong decisive woman, glimpses of her father could be seen in her personality. It was sad to see her fall apart mentally and physically as her world collapsed. Forgiveness is not Felicity’s horizon anytime soon but, will it come at all?
Greta was the only child of Felicity and Ian. Being the only child came with its fair share of burdens.
With her family imploding, Greta was stuck in the middle. Literally. A peace maker, Greta tried to help the various family members mend broken bridges and to move forward. True to life, this was a difficult task and Greta learnt when to step in or when to walk away. I could see glimpses of myself as the young woman was in a committed relationship like I was at that age. Joe had his faults like everyone else but, Greta’s family situation makes her question her relationship. Will the couple get through their first serious test?
The last protagonist was Alice. An elderly widow, Alice had good friends but no family left. When Alice saw the death notice for Frankly in the paper, she made a decision that would change the trajectory of her life.
Filled with strong, passionate women, The Family Inheritance will remind you that every family has its problems. It’s just some are better at keeping them hidden than others!
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for the opportunity to read and review this Australian treasure.
October 21, 2020
The Family Inheritance is the latest offering from Aussie favourite Tricia Stringer. Tricia's talent extends across a range of genres from historical through to contemporary and her readers are always guaranteed some wonderful escapism. On this occasion Tricia gives us a multi generational, heartbreaking family drama - from Hazel in her 70s, her daughter Felicity celebrating her 50th, to Greta the 20 something granddaughter. So, already you can see, there is sure to be something for everybody to relate to.
‘There was comfort in them all being together.’
Tricia consistently delivers drama that is always engaging and leaves the reader wondering what they would do in such circumstances. The women, of this particular family, find their world turned upside down after the grandfather, Franklyn, passes away and leaves a most contentious will. This certainly opens a can of proverbial worms that brings into play the varied personality traits of both the women and men of this family. Can they rise above and see this as an opportunity to reevaluate their lives or will it destroy their family? Secrets and lies abound aplenty.
“Your anger that day was greater than your fear and it propelled you forward. Make your love greater than your hate.”
One thing to appreciate is the light Tricia shines on issues such as inheritance and wills, cystic fibrosis and anxiety issues. Both through certain characters' stories and in her endnotes, Tricia draws attention to what it might feel like and where people could find help for these range of topical issues.
This book is cleverly crafted around the passing of the controlling patriarch and the fallout when, from the grave, he attempts to cause division and devastation. With a family laden in secrets, readers are sure to be engaged to discover life changing results.
‘Four women across three generations, two of them sisters, but all connected by the tangle of often tenuous threads that made up their family and a past that .. threatened ... to destroy them.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘There was comfort in them all being together.’
Tricia consistently delivers drama that is always engaging and leaves the reader wondering what they would do in such circumstances. The women, of this particular family, find their world turned upside down after the grandfather, Franklyn, passes away and leaves a most contentious will. This certainly opens a can of proverbial worms that brings into play the varied personality traits of both the women and men of this family. Can they rise above and see this as an opportunity to reevaluate their lives or will it destroy their family? Secrets and lies abound aplenty.
“Your anger that day was greater than your fear and it propelled you forward. Make your love greater than your hate.”
One thing to appreciate is the light Tricia shines on issues such as inheritance and wills, cystic fibrosis and anxiety issues. Both through certain characters' stories and in her endnotes, Tricia draws attention to what it might feel like and where people could find help for these range of topical issues.
This book is cleverly crafted around the passing of the controlling patriarch and the fallout when, from the grave, he attempts to cause division and devastation. With a family laden in secrets, readers are sure to be engaged to discover life changing results.
‘Four women across three generations, two of them sisters, but all connected by the tangle of often tenuous threads that made up their family and a past that .. threatened ... to destroy them.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
November 11, 2020
I’m still thinking about this one. I love Tricia Stringer’s books and the love she has for people. I think she does such a great job with empathy. I even loved Ian. I loved the three generations of family, I loved the pink jelly cakes. I thought the themes of domestic violence and financial distress were really sensitively handled. I thought the inheritance of genetics and secrets as well as money and heirloom was just so well done. The description of anxiety feeling like galloping horses was just perfect. I loved it.
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January 6, 2021Tricia Stringer goes from strength to strength! The Family Inheritance was another moving and well-crafted read with warm characters, perfectly conveyed family dynamics and plenty of hiccups and tension to keep the reader guessing.
I listened to this story on audio, and found extra excuses to listen in for 'just another page/scene/chapter'. As a South Australian ex-pat, I loved the South Aussie settings too, not to mention the beautiful cover, which was an excellent fit for an intriguing story.
I listened to this story on audio, and found extra excuses to listen in for 'just another page/scene/chapter'. As a South Australian ex-pat, I loved the South Aussie settings too, not to mention the beautiful cover, which was an excellent fit for an intriguing story.
October 30, 2020
The Family Inheritance by author Tricia Stringer was a read that revealed surprises and ensured a few tears. The characters drag you in emotionally, and you can't help but hope that they get a well deserved break. Twists and turns kept my eyes fixed to the happenings within the book. Another top novel by author Tricia Stringer.
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
December 19, 2020
This story felt so very real and relatable. The tension kept ramping up as shocking secrets and lies were revealed. This was such an enjoyable read!
August 3, 2021
Ok but not great. There was an element of intrigue at the beginning but the story became predictable towards the end.
June 20, 2021
With the death of the family patriarch Franklyn comes his will containing conditions that are shocking to the family. Revealing things that have the potential to tear the family apart. He is a manipulative, controlling and a bully even in his death!
It is full of family drama where lies and secrets are revealed throughout the book keeping the reader captivated and wanting to know more. The woman are strong and relatable in the way they deal with the challenges they are faced with. I laughed, I cried, I felt every piece of emotion from these characters.
Such an enjoyable and relatable read that outlines real life issues and family drama that potentially many families see themselves going through.
It is full of family drama where lies and secrets are revealed throughout the book keeping the reader captivated and wanting to know more. The woman are strong and relatable in the way they deal with the challenges they are faced with. I laughed, I cried, I felt every piece of emotion from these characters.
Such an enjoyable and relatable read that outlines real life issues and family drama that potentially many families see themselves going through.
October 7, 2020
This was another wonderfully written novel from Tricia Stringer - she never disappoints! I loved how relatable the characters were and how Tricia really captured all the feelings and family drama that unfortunately often flare up when loved ones pass away. I found myself unable to stop turning the pages as themes of greed, heartbreak, love and friendship all unfolded and I was laughing and crying with the characters the entire way through their stories.. Another brilliant novel written by a great Australian author that you need to add to your #TBR list!
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