The Legacy Book Review

The Restoration Series

Book Four

SUMMARY:  One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence.

     For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith.  His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far.  His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn't true.  But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you're ready to grow up. 

     Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug's life begins to take a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina - whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance.  Will Doug's crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

REVIEW:  Dan Walsh is one of my favorite authors.  The series he has written with Gary Smalley has been a good one with some interesting story lines that, unfortunately, are common place in today's society.  That said, I had some difficulties with the last book in this series.  It was a good book and a nice finish to the series but just didn't grab my attention like the first ones.  The whole story was anti-climatic.  To me, it felt like Doug's problems at school (drinking, sleeping with his girlfriend) were minor compared to his best friend Jason's (drugs, alcohol, fighting, skipping class, low grades).  I did find it admirable that Doug still has a conscience that he sometimes listens to in regards to the choices Jason makes. He also puts everything aside to finish a project (not school related) AND studies for his finals.  But, he does put the cart before the horse in regards to cutting ties off with his family and not having an income readily available.  The route Jason takes to get back to his family is difficult and heart wrenching but makes the story more realistic.

     While it wasn't completely my cup of tea, this novel is a good book and a sound read.  The series is excellent and very enjoyable.

    

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley.  He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs.  He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury.  Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.