Kate Hoffmann, The Legacy

The Legacy

Kate Hoffmann

Harlequin, January 2007, $5.99

ISBN: 0373198558

In 1924 Dublin, when her husband Michael Byrne was murdered, he left behind his grieving wife Rose and their daughter Mary Grace, born one week after he died. The Byrne females survived on a slight inheritance, and the widow's seamstress work for three years. Three months ago they were evicted, forcing them to live on the street, until Lady Geneva Porter offers her work in their household over the objection of her husband.

Over the years, Grace is treated more like a niece than an employee's daughter, as she plays with Geneva's son Edward. When they are old enough they marry, but hide their nuptials from their family to avoid causing trouble for now at least, until Edward returns from fighting in WWII. However, she learns he died overseas, leaving her as a pregnant widow. She meets and marries wealthy Bostonian Adam Callahan, who takes his new family to America.

THE LEGACY is a fascinating, mostly first half of the twentieth century Irish historical drama, that spans several decades, including flashbacks to 1845 that feel intrusive, though eventually ties back to the prime tale of following the Byrne females. The storyline is female character driven by Jane in 1845 (not described above), Rose, Geneva, and especially Grace; while males are support players. Readers who enjoy a saga that crosses generations, though too many years in too short a time, will want to track THE LEGACY.