The Cottage

November 1, 2016

In this sequel to The Inheritance, new heir Loni Ford arrives on Scotland's Shetland Islands to find that rival claimant Hardy Tulloch has contracted out the valuable oil-rich land to investors. Meanwhile, Hardy's cousin David, believed by the islanders to be the estate's rightful heir, aims to stake rights to Loni's heart. Fine romantic suspense.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2016
Phillips continues his Secrets of the Shetlands series (The Inheritance, 2016) with the drama of the rightful heir to the island of Whales Reef in the Scottish Shetland Islands. Loni Ford may be the legal heir, but when she visits the island, locals make it known she is not welcome in their old-fashioned world. Realizing that she is in danger of being swindled after finding evidence of dirty deeds, the island's chief, David, helps her uncover the truth about her legacy and discover who she was, who she is, and who God has destined her to be. Phillips' affinity for and expertise in Scottish cultural heritage enrich this classically structured, well-paced tale. References to theological and literary works throughout help illuminate Loni's Quaker roots and faith, divisiveness in the church, and brushes with extremism over the course of Scotland's religious history. While his style is an acquired taste, Phillips crafts a thoughtful story with lovely settings while exploring appealing themes of secrets, vulnerability, and traditional values, including duty to family.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)